Amidst Malaysia’s worst floods in decades, Prime Minister Najib Razak spent his vacation in Hawaii golfing with US president Barack Obama, who was also on his Christmas break.
Images of the pair-up on the fairways went viral on local social media, after the Washington Post reported on the afternoon the two leaders spent at a Marine Corps base on the island of Oahu.
It was an extraordinary match-up, and one that was likely a lucky shot for Najib – when on vacation, Obama rarely golfs with people outside of his regular social circle and trusted advisors, despite being on the links every day.
Najib joins the elite inner circle of Obama’s golfing buddies that last year inducted New Zealand’s prime minister John Key.
You can view a video by the Post of Obama’s golf game with Najib here.
(Also, remember that one time when Najib took a selfie with Obama in the Beast?)
Meanwhile, The Star Online reports that Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin assured Malaysians that even though his boss was away on vacation, the flood crisis back home would be managed by the Federal Government.
“Don’t worry, I am in charge when the Prime Minister is not in, I will be acting on his behalf so don’t worry. Have trust in me.
“We will manage what we can to the best of our ability,” he said.
Stressing that he is fully in the driver’s seat while Najib is on leave, Muhyiddin guaranteed that Putrajaya will utilise all available resources to save the lives of victims in affected areas. He also opened the possibility of drafting the assistance of private helicopters and private agencies in aid efforts.
It seems that even while enjoying an exotic island Christmas in Hawaii, the PM is still keeping himself updated on the floods here in Malaysia:
Photo: Jacquelyn Martin / AP
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