PRIME Minister Najib Razak wants Malaysians to slim down as the country has the highest rate of obesity in Asia.

He said the eating habits of Malaysians and their low participation in sports were the chief reasons why the obesity rate was so high.

“We don’t do enough sports. We must play more sports. Don’t put on too much weight. I myself have to trim down,” said Najib grabbing his paunch.

“I want my body to be the same as Khairy’s (Khairy Jamaluddin), slim. But this takes time,” Najib said referring to Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

“God willing, I will play more sports,” Najib added when launching the 3rd National Sports Day in Kuala Lumpur.

Najib said a study by the Economist magazine revealed that Malaysia had the highest obesity rate in Asia.

“Why? Because we love to eat roti canai, nasi lemak and drink teh tarik.”

He also urged the young to play more sports as it was a way to nurture unity among the country’s communities.

“The younger generation must play more sports as it has many benefits. We have a multi-ethnic country. The best platform to promote unity is sports.”

He then cited the example of the semi-final Sea Games football match, where a multiracial Malaysian team played against Indonesia. – October 14, 2017.