NAZIR Razak broke his silence over rumours about his position in CIMB today, saying he will relinquish his job ahead of August 2019 if asked to do so.

The veteran banker said he has not decided if he would seek an extension as chairman of CIMB Group.

“The CIMB chairmanship is decided by the board, shareholders and Bank Negara Malaysia, and if at any time one of them would like me to step aside, I must and I would.

“I have spent 29 years here – my only job – and I will always do what is best for CIMB,” he said in a short statement today.

Nazir also said he has not communicated with any party about his position in the bank. 

“But I appreciate leadership uncertainty is not helpful, so I hope that my response to The Star article gives as much clarity as is possible within my means,” he said in the statement.

The Star had reported that Nazir was set to leave CIMB and its board was looking for a successor.

Quoting sources, the English-language daily said the chairman of the country’s second largest bank wanted to stay until the end of his current term, which ends next March, but was willing to exit the bank earlier if the authorities want him out sooner.

Yesterday, The Malaysian Insight reported that several top bankers in government-linked companies have been asked to leave. 

It is also understood that the top officials of two government-linked investment companies are expected to step down.

A number of high-profile chief executives, directors, chiefs and ambassadors will end their service today. – June 30, 2018.