GEORGE TOWN: Narrowing the focus of the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak diverts attention from systemic issues, says his brother Tan Sri Nazir Razak.
Concerned over the issue, the prominent banker said there is a need to address the broader problems that led to the fiasco.
ALSO READ: Najib’s brother Nazir explains his views on controversy over 1MDB issue
"The whole focus on 1MDB seems to be on one person only.
"One, I don’t think it’s fair.
"Two, Malaysia needs to learn from all the systemic issues that the 1MDB crisis brought up," he said during a segment of the Keluar Sekejap Lagi podcast series uploaded to TikTok on Thursday (Oct 3).
Reflecting on the tension between him and Najib during the latter's time as prime minister, Nazir recalled how uncomfortable things became when the Terengganu Investment Authority, later known as 1MDB, issued a RM5bil bond in 2009.
ALSO READ: Nazir takes 1MDB board to task
"I was running a GLC bank, and of course, my brother was PM and finance minister.
"I had conversations with Najib, and things got a bit uncomfortable between us, so it's a topic we kind of stopped talking about," he explained.
Nazir also shared insight into his relationship with Najib now, revealing that he had visited his brother in prison several times.
"I always reminded him, 'Look, whatever happened, you're my brother. I love you very much. I never wanted to bring you down. I was just very focused on this scandal happening at 1MDB and, whether you knew or not, you didn’t stop it'," he said during the recording at Memorial Tun Abdul Razak, once his childhood home.
ALSO READ: Nazir vows to assist MACC to recover 1MDB funds
Nazir also recalled advice he received from a friend when Najib took on the role of prime minister: "Don't expect to be able to speak to your brother like you used to."
According to Nazir, this became evident to him when, during one visit to Najib's office, he was greeted with "So, what have you got to complain about today?" before he could even speak.
