What's in a Name

What’s in a Name takes readers to the often troubled centre of Malaysian politics and

business over the last fifty years.


Nazir Razak built CIMB Group into one of the most successful banks in ASEAN. In a career spanning three decades, he has been at the centre of the action. And when he was not, he had a ringside seat for all the biggest deals and power struggles, victories and defeats involving some of the most colourful characters of recent times.


In this revealing memoir, Nazir recounts what it was like growing up in Malaysia’s most prominent political family, honouring the legacy of his late father, Abdul Razak, Malaysia’s revered second prime minister, while also being the brother of Najib Razak, whose term as prime minister ended with the ignominious 1MDB scandal – the fallout of which continues today.


This is not just the story of Nazir’s life as one of Malaysia’s most successful businessmen; it is also a drama of family loyalty and what happens when that loyalty comes into conflict with deeply held principles. Nazir concludes with an analysis of the Malaysian political economy from his unique vantage point, and makes a compelling case for reforms and how they can be made.