What’s in a Name

by Nazir Razak

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

358 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Aizat Affendi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was personally a heavy read but one that I enjoyed, nonetheless. Having worked in the agricultural industry before, I've always looked up to Tun Abdul Razak (Malaysia's second premier and arguably the best one) for developing Malaysia from the ground up. Unlike his predecessor (I am of the opinion that his predecessor's only contribution was to leverage on his royal status to secure independence from the Brits), Tun Abdul Razak was instrumental in the setting up of a number of statutory bodies that were ahead of their time both in the region and the world. The Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) model, for example, was replicated by oil palm smallholders in Indonesia and much later in Latin America. His other brainchildren such as the NEP should also be lauded, although this would later be abused to benefit only the elites. Nazir did a great job highlighting his father's contribution to the country in the first section of the book.

The subsequent sections taught me a great deal about financial services as well as the history of some of the country's GLCs. The author had also shared his meteoric rise within his company, which is nothing short of inspiring (even today, it's hard to find a self-made 28-year-old being driven around in a chaffeured Jaguar) and the inner conflicts he has had to endure when his brother was embroiled in the 1MDB scandal - never knew Nazir played a significant role behind the exposés regarding the ill-fated federal wealth fund. Sometimes when it comes to doing the right thing, family will have to take a backseat and one should gravitate towards their principles. Easier said than done, especially when you find yourself, your wife and kids being taunted by your own brother.

All in all, a truly great book. Definitely recommended!

[Mohd Nordin Che Omar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astounding and excellent book written from the heart that wish to see a better future Malaysia. Every Malaysian should read this book, learned and support the inspiration to see a new Malaysia. Kudos to YBhg Tan Sri. Couldn’t agree more with the review by eminent persons about the book.

[Mohd Jamizal · Rating 4 out of 5]

He can be a good politician eventhough bit liberal in his views

[Wan Asma Wan Omar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whatever been said,i see nazir as one of the fine leader that can bring a company to international level.He has proven himself over and over again and we need more leaders like him in Malaysia to bring forward a more resilience and harmony to any corporation and conglomerates in this beloved country of ours.

[Yuki Ling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read that comprises history, banking and politics.

The book makes me wonder if Malaysia would be different if Abdul Razak could live long enough to keep NEP works. If Malaysia would be different if Abdul Razak actually supported Onn Jaafar's idea to create a multi-racial UMNO right before the Independence.

It also makes me wonder if Dr. M has actually the one to be responsible for the political disaster that Malaysia is having now. There is a line in the book that reads "A citizenry of sheep encourages a government of Wolves." This is just what Dr. M was doing throughout his 22 years as PM.

Of course, thanks to Najib Razak and the 1MDB scandal, many young Malaysians come to realise the ugly side effect of the long term one-party ruling system in the country.

Nazir, has been a wonderful leader. You could tell by reading how he brought CIMB to success. Young and inspirational CEO leading the bank into ASEAN. Reading the story of CIMB makes me wonder if Malaysia could actually be a different nation if his father actually could lead long enough, considering the saying - like Father, like son. I believed his father was right, Najib is not suitable in politics.

I would say a fantastic book that summarizes Malaysia into less than a 400pages read.

[Ali Ilman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this memoir, Nazir recounts life growing up as one of the sons of Tun Abdul Razak, how he got to CIMB, the 1990s’ euphoria and the uncertainties brought by the Asian financial crisis, 1MDB and its personal effects, ending with hopes for the future.

There is a stark contrast in my feelings about the nation when reading the Tun Abdul Razak section and the 1MDB section. Patriotic in one, disgust in the other. Long gone are the days where politicians serve the people. These days, most politicians are in politics as a side gig.

I’ll end with the following quote from the memoir.

“A three-headed monster rules Malaysia: identity, money and centralisation of power. It is that combination which prevents us from carrying through reforms everyone agrees are needed. That monster stands between us and a better future. Each of the three heads needs to be dealt with, but we will fail if we try to deal with them in separation.”

[Fera Khalil · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a timely read for me given Malaysia's current political climate.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, Nazir's lens as someone who grew up in a young post-election Malaysia and having such an esteemed figure as a father is a must read. However, personally for me the highlight of the book would be the go-go years of Malaysia Investment Banking and stock market scene pre-AFC. Just reminds me how much enthusiasm and potential Malaysia had back then had it not been mismanaged by greedy and corrupt politicians which essentially a result of a flawed political system, and will remain so due to legacy, unless we take unpopular yet necessary reforms to ensure our children will be able to grow up in a pluralistic Malaysia that is no longer shackled based on race as the main identity.

[Tiya Rashid · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What's in a Name”

I love to read how writer portrays to us his life at Seri Taman. Lovely memories. In the same time, i feel sympathy to him, lost his father in early age.

The time we lost Tun Razak i had not been born yet, writer strolling down memory lane to exact date malaysia lost Tun Razak our “Bapa Pembangunan”. Heart breaking. Jan 14, 1976 the late Tun Hussein appeared on RTM, with tears in his eyes, announcing the demise of Tun Razak Hussein in a hospital in London. I cried!

Tun Razak was diagnosed with leukemia but kept it secret since 1969. Tun Razak contribution to his nation is legendary.

Love to read writer’s journey in CIMB too!

Nice read!

[Chombi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buku ini terbahagi kepada 5 bahagian. Dikisahkan mengenai kehidupan penulis ketika kecil dan kenangan bersama keluarganya. Bahagian kedua dan ketiga mengenai permulaan kerjaya Nazir di CIMB dan bagaimana kerjayanya mendaki ke puncak dan menjadi ikon perbankan. Ada banyak terma² teknikal yg mungkin sukar difahami tapi telah diterjemahkan dengan baik di dalam buku terjemahan ini.
Bahagian ke 4 pula mengenai kes 1MDB. Kisah pertembungan di dalam keluarga Tun Razak. Bahagian ke 5 pasca selepas Pilihanraya 2018 yg akhirnya semua tahu apa yg telah terjadi kepada parti yg telah lama berkuasa.
Pembacaan yg berbaloi.

[Joanne Rodrigues · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in an easy to read style. Somethjng all Malaysians should read if just to get a point of view of what A good Malaysia looks like. There are many views and perhaps Nazir razak’s view comes from someone who is privileged and another person would have another opinion on what it should look like. But it’s easy enough to digest so worth a read.

[Joe Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read and I liked reading about the family story. But I did feel throughout that it was rather self serving, to paint the author whiter than white, especially since his brother is now in jail. His recommendations on how to improve Malaysian society felt somewhat out of place.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to read with a blank slate. My mind would quickly tie his experience to what his brother, Najib is going through. So my judgement is biased. But, it's a great insight to the lives of two Prime Ministers.

[V S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting insights into the corrupt systems
Of politics desperately need reform

[Naizer Aj · Rating 5 out of 5]

sangat mengujakan.

[Muhd Izzuddin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book to get know "Kayangan people"

[Aimran Sarhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating insight into building a successful, market-leading Malaysian Financial Group

[Jessie · Rating 1 out of 5]

A man without principles.

[Aqil · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a story from the son of the 2nd Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Abdul Razak. Raised in a respected family with his 4 brothers, Nazir aspires to be like his father, carrying the legacy of Tun Razak.
Began his career in banking, making his name in the 50 most influential people in Asia at one time. Nazir managed to lead Cimb to a better direction of development in 29 years. Facing challenges in his career, politics, economy and family. Making him a strong person to face it. surrounded by his colleagues who perform, enabling him to complete his tasks.

A smart thinker in a matter. Nazir is my corporate idol.