Nizar on political dynasty "I chose politics, it wasn’t handed to me"
He said Najib’s philosophy was clear: he needed to stand on his own merit and not rely on family legacy.
TASNIM LOKMAN SHARIFAH SHAHIRAH
SHAH ALAM - As conversations around political dynasties in Malaysia heat up, Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib - eldest son of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak - says his entry into politics was a personal decision, not a scripted legacy.
The Pekan Umno Vice-Chief Datuk Nizar Najib, who recently featured in Sinar Daily’s Top News Podcast titled ‘Politics Meets Progress’, addressed public scepticism over dynastic politics, stressing that such lineages was not only happening in his family but common in Malaysia and globally.
“This phenomenon isn’t unique to Malaysia alone, you see it in Singapore, the United States, Thailand - even within PKR and Pas. Every party grapples with this perception,” he said.
The Pahang Investment, Industries, Science, Technology and Innovation State Exco said father father never pushed him into politics. Instead, he was encouraged to build his career in the private sector before considering public service.
“In my case, politics wasn’t something forced upon me. My father never said that I had to enter politics - it was a choice I made on my own journey.
“He let us decide for ourselves what we wanted to do. I’ve always had a passion for public service. He also encouraged me to work in the private sector first to gain some experience,” he said.
Nizar added that Najib’s philosophy was clear: he needed to stand on his own merit and not rely on family legacy.
In fact, he said, Najib barred from contesting any Umno position until after Barisan Nasional’s historic 2018 general election defeat where he was no longer the prime minister.
“I entered politics at a time of crisis - for my father and for the party,” Nizar said. “Umno was in the opposition. My father was in court. My first campaign, for Pekan Youth Chief, came with no privileges, only the challenge of rebuilding. There was no power, just the grind.”
He acknowledged that while his family name might open some doors, it brings no guarantees - and often, more pressure than privilege.
“Sometimes life takes you through a different path, and I would say politics is not for everybody,” he added.
Nizar also stressed the intense scrutiny that comes with his last name - where every achievement is doubted and every misstep magnified.
“Although my background offers certain advantages, it also comes with heightened expectations.
“You do the best you can under circumstances - you want to serve, and then you do your best and the rest you leave it to Allah,” he said noting that the burden of proving himself independently is even greater than most, given his father’s controversial legacy.
His political journey, he reflected, embodies his father’s values of merit and resilience—but also reveals a larger truth: that legacy may open the door, but it cannot guarantee success or immunity.
Najib is currently serving a six-year prison sentence after being convicted of four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving nearly RM2.3 billion from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
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