Najib and Trump a ‘winning team’

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had partnered billionaire-turned-politician Donald Trump in a golf game several years ago and they won the game.

Their winning partnership was the setting for the much-talked about photograph of Najib and the United States President-elect which Trump had signed, describing Najib as his “favourite Prime Minister”.

Najib said he was attending the United Nations General Assembly and it was Sunday when a group of them, including the late Ambassador to the US Tan Sri Jamaluddin Jarjis, decided to play golf at the upscale Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, about an hour out of New York.

When Trump heard about the Malaysian guests, he decided to join in.

“So, he and I partnered and we won the game. We took a photo together with JJ and for some reason, I put the photo next to my desk in my office. I did it before he became as famous as he is today,” Najib recalled.

Trump had autographed the memento of their golf encounter with the phrase: “To my favourite Prime Minister. Great win!”

“We called each other a few times and after that, he became so involved in the process (of the US presidential election) so I didn’t quite follow up with him. Maybe later, once he’s settled in,” said Najib.

The golf club has since become an epicentre of political activity.

Trump held meetings with his transition team at the club and he and his advisers had also spent time there to prepare for the debates against Hillary Clinton.