'Uber-cool' Abdul Wahid Omar tells why he is now a cab driver

His economic beliefs, his approach to monetary policy is widely respected, his forecasting record and his ability to translate complex issues into almost readable speeches and presentations, so to speak.

Yesterday, Wahid shed off his dapper suits for a different uniform. He uncharacteristically sprang a surprise when he appeared as an Uber driver.

His customer, Firdaus Fadzil was ‘star-struck’ and tweeted a photo of himself and Wahid behind the wheels.

The Firdaus-Wahid episode seemed straightforward..

Firdaus did the norm when he clicked on the ride-share service Uber app on his smartphone and booked for an Uber to travel from Putrajaya to KL Sentral.

When he saw Wahid in the car, Firdaus was understandably flustered.

Firdaus shared the story and picture of his journey with the former president and chief executive officer of Maybank.

"Uber my way to office by probably one of the most successful corporate and economic maestros with his new Perdana," wrote Firdaus in the caption.

The sister of film director, Yasmin Ahmad, Datin Orked Ahmad today shared her WhatsApp conversations with Wahid on her Facebook.

Wahid said it was something that he wanted to do for a long time but could not do so as he served as Minister.

The government is still under consideration to decide on the ruling of Uber taxi service operations.

"It was something I wanted to do from the start, but could not do so as a minister, even then, the government has yet to decide on the rules Uber taxi service operations," said Wahid through a WhatsApp message to Orked.

He also added that it is a private initiative with three goals.

1. To gain experience as an Uber driver and feel the burden;

2. Promoting new cars of Proton Perdana as the state executive car

3. Collect some funds for charity

Wahid said he enlisted as an Uber driver on June 16 and has ferried eight passengers on Friday from 9am to 4pm.

"So far, I get 'top up' as much as 30 times.

"This means, traveling from Putrajaya to KL Sentral that cost RM30 is worth RM900 for charity," he said.