Awang Adek: ‘I don’t know why there is always talk of me replacing Zeti.’ – Bernama
Envoy says don’t speculate he will be next Bank Negara governor
WASHINGTON: “Stop the speculation about me becoming the next Bank Negara governor,” says Malaysian ambassador to the United States Datuk Awang Adek Hussin whose term ends on April 7.
Also, a former deputy finance minister, his comments came in response to the intense speculation that he would replace Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz, who retires next month after helming Bank Negara for five terms from 2000.
Awang Adek said he was appointed ambassador to the US for a two-year period and with the term ending on April 7, he had no wish to extend the contract as he wanted to spend more time with his family.
He was speaking to the Malaysian media covering Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s week-long working visit in conjunction with the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit.
Awang Adek said the decision not to renew his contract was a personal choice.
On speculation that he was among the most suitable candidate for the job following his tenure as Bank Negara deputy governor from 1996-2001, he said: “There are other more qualified people. I don’t know and see no reason why there is always talk of me replacing Zeti.
“I do not want to speculate and there is no reason to speculate about me,” he added.
Awang Adek, who has a doctorate in economics, served the central bank for 16 years, rising to the rank of deputy governor. He is among three popular candidates tipped to replace Zeti.
The others are Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar and Bank Negara deputy governor Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim.
Asked what he planned to do on his return to Malaysia, Awang Adek said that for the time being, he just wanted to take a break. – Bernama
