Former Khazanah chief Azman says he had 'good and respectful' exit meeting with Dr M

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 1): Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar (pictured) said he had a positive meeting with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad before officially clocking out for the last time from Khazanah Nasional Bhd's office as its managing director yesterday.

"Alhamdullilah, I believe we had a good and respectful meeting. He asked me to write to him about how Khazanah can help Government reduce debt even after I have left and he also asked me what I was going to do next (I said I don't know yet but will have a lot of time to think about it)," he said in a WhatsApp message to his friends.

Azman said he was also able to "clear the air" with Dr Mahathir on "the many bad and unfair things some groups are saying and I am glad Tun (Dr M) gave me the space and was attentive".

"I asked my staff to please support Tun's government in spite of the nonsense from some quarters, and I said treat the unfair pain as sacrifice even, niatkan (make it our intention), perbersihkan (cleanse) our intent and serve with all our hearts and our resources.

"So I bid farewell. I pray for Khazanah's and the nation's success, and I pledge and hope to contribute and be useful in whatever way I can, insya-Allah," he added.