GE15 will not affect our economy, says Nazir Razak
KUALA LUMPUR – With rumours of 15th General Election (GE15) just around the corner and many debating its impact on the country, prominent Malaysian banker Tan Sri Nazir Razak stresses that holding the election will not affect the economy.
The Bank Pembangunan Malaysia chairman said that though the country might face challenges, it should not stop GE15 from taking place.
“Election will never affect the economy, but whatever it takes we have to carry on with the election.
“For the timing of the election, let’s leave it to the Prime Minister and others to decide,” he said in a press conference at Kuala Lumpur 2022 International Book Fair at World Trade Centre (WTC) here today.
Nazir said this when asked his opinion on several politicians who said this was not the right time for GE15, considering Malaysia’s current economic woes.
Meanwhile, on the development of his letter of recommendation to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and the government to establish a deliberative platform or a Better Malaysia Assembly, Nazir said there were ongoing follow up discussions.
He said this was due to some individuals supported the move while some others do not.
“I want to meet those who disagree and ask them about their disagreement so that we can prepare a proper explanation.
“My idea is very simple, we want ordinary people to come and discuss the solutions for the challenges we are facing in the country today and I don’t want to give these opportunities to the elitist,” he said.
Prior to that, Nazir held a talk on “Cabaran Masa Depan Malaysia” (Challenges for the Future of 20Malaysia) which was organised by Karangkraf Media Group, where he touched on politics and bribery, among others.
He also introduced a book he written by him titled ‘Di Sebalik Nama’ which discussed about politics, money and extreme centralisation of power.
Also present during the talk were Director of National Book Malaysia Mohd Khair Ngadiron, Karangkraf Group Vice President Datuk Mohd Nasir Hamzah, Karangkraf Group Chief Financial Officer Akmal Eirfan Mohamed Fauzi, Karangkraf Group Chief Executive Officer Firdaus Hussamuddin and Nazir's wife, Datin Sri Azlina Aziz.
