Prominent banker Nazir Razak is feeling desperate.
His admission comes after he reiterated his proposal for a second national consultative council (NCC) last week.
In an Instagram post yesterday, Nazir pointed out how news portal Malay Mail Online had used a picture of him ‘frowning in desperation’ for its story quoting him calling for the NCC to be set up under the Council of Rulers.
Nazir, who is Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's brother, expressed hope that people would consider the idea seriously.
He said the best minds and leaders across society need to be gathered to come together for national recalibration.
“Our myriad of problems and tensions cannot be addressed piecemeal, it has to be holistic, re-making trade-offs and priorities for today's generation and challenges,” he said in his post.
“I know I am being repetitive but I am feeling desperate,” he admitted.
AirAsia group chief executive officer Tony Fernandes commented on Nazir’s Instagram post, urging him not to be desperate as they were the majority.
“The majority of Malaysians are moderate, they are just silent.
“Time not to be silent. I'm happy to take leave to be on the second NCC. Where do I send my curriculum vitae (CV)?” he wrote.
Nazir in his proposal had said that a second NCC could chart a new long-term course for the nation in line with the current needs and aspirations of Malaysians.
He mentioned that critical issues such as a needs-based affirmative action versus the NEP, Islamic state versus secular constitution and rebuilding trust in institutions as well as imbuing moderation in politics and society should be discussed.
The first NCC was headed by Nazir’s father, second prime minister Abdul Razak Hussein in the aftermath of the 1969 race riots.
