While attending the seminar with his father’s former colleagues, noted political analyst Shabudin Husin, Najib must have hoped that his father’s positive image and reputation would have a spillover effect and portray him in a good light too.

Najib’s take on his father isn’t surprising, he continued. “As the eldest son of the late Prime Minister, and now a Prime Minister himself, only an egotistical child would think that any praise meant for his old man is praise for him as well.

“Najib has been doing this often. As his position in the public’s heart falls following the issues, problems and mistakes made since he was elected prime minister in 2009, he has been using his father’s name to positively boost his own image.”

The special seminar provided an opportunity to compare and contrast the great man with his son who has been found more than wanting, added Shahbudin. “Tun Razak will continue to be remembered, but [in comparison] this makes Najib seem as someone who lacks what it takes to continue leading the country.

“Najib comparing himself with his father will not be to his advantage.”

Shahbudin stressed that not only would no one say that Najib is better or equal to his father, but to say that 50 per cent, or even 30 per cent, of Abdul Razak’s qualities, character and personality have been inherited by Najib will leave many hesitant to agree.

“Najib is seen as a far cry from Tun Razak. It’s not just the thinking, ideas, leadership style and lifestyle. Nearly everything is different.”

Abdul Razak, said the analyst, would have never done what his son did by way of introducing several Acts to protect and maintain his power. Nor would Najib’s predecessors have done this either, said Shabudin, adding that “Abdullah Badawi, for all his faults, never stooped to that level”.

“Even his own brother, Nazir, has disagreed with and objected to Najib’s leadership style several times,” said Shahbudin.