“Stop the speculation about me becoming the next Bank Negara Malaysia governor,” says Malaysian Ambassador to the United States Awang Adek Hussin, whose term ends on April 7.

Also a former deputy finance minister, his comments came in response to the intense speculation that he would replace Zeti Akhtar Aziz, who retires next month after helming BNM for five terms from 2000.

Awang Adek said he was appointed ambassador to the US for a two-year period and with the term ending on April 7, he had no wish to extend the contract, as he wanted to spend more time with his family.

He told this to the Malaysian media covering Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s week-long working visit in conjunction with the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit.

Ahmad Zaid arrived in Washington today.

Awang Adek said the decision not to renew his contract was a personal choice.

On speculation that he was among the most suitable candidate for the job following his tenure as BNM deputy governor from 1996-2001, he said: “There are other more qualified people. I don’t know and see no reason why there is always talk of me to replace Zeti.

“I do not want to speculate and there is no reason to speculate about me,” he added.

Awang Adek, who has a doctorate in economics, served the central bank for 16 years, rising to the rank of deputy governor. He is among three popular candidates tipped to replace Zeti.

The others are Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Abdul Wahid Omar and current BNM deputy governor Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim.

Asked what he plans to do on his return to Malaysia, Awang Adek said for the moment, he just wants to take a break.

- Bernama