Nazir Razak describes 30-day leave as 'painful'

CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, Datuk Seri Nazir Razak, described his 30-day leave from his position recently as painful.

He said this during an exclusive interview with Harith Iskander, in the comedian's latest talkshow Obviously Harith Iskander aired on Astro AWANI last night.

Nazir was on leave starting from April 19, following a report made by The Wall Street Journal about the existence of US$7 million in his bank account.

He had admitted his role in the distribution of the money in political funds in the run up to the 2013 general election at the request of his older brother, Prime Minister Najib Razak.

"It was painful. The board of directors had to decide whether I did anything wrong and whether they still want me as chairman.

"I felt that for them to do it properly, I had to step aside. It wasn't my finest hour," said Nazir.

Having been in the banking industry for 25 years, Nazir admitted there had been a few occasions where he had to make decisions quickly.

At the same time, he hoped he had made all the right decisions.

Nazir also shared his experience on growing up as a son of a Prime Minister, during his father Tun Abdul Razak Hussein's era of governance.

"My friend was shock to see the size (of the house), and the fact that policemen were everywhere," he told Harith.

Nazir wasn't being discreet when asked about what his brothers and him talk about whenever they meet.

"We talk about serious issues, but we also talk about family matters," he answered.

On a lighter note, Nazir also explained the rational behind the 'CIMB Octopus' mascot.

"It symbolises the many things you can do when you do online banking with us.

"But in Indonesia, it had to be withdrawn because octopus is the nickname given to corrupt politicians."