The objectives are: to improve the corporate performance of the group and its group companies; enhance bumiputera participation in business and corporate sectors; and to support the government in providing more affordable homes for Malaysians.

An accountant and former banker, Abdul Wahid was minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of the government transformation programme. He stepped down in June when his tenure as a senator ended after two terms.

He hit the headlines in June when he was snapped being a driver for the Uber ride-sharing system two weeks after leaving the Cabinet.

“I wanted to experience personally what it was like to do ride-sharing as well as how easy or difficult it is to earn a living using the latest technology, and to provide input to policy makers,” he said.

He hoped that the Uber and GrabCar companies would give drivers a higher proportion of the takings, and hoped the government and SPAD (land transport commission), would devise the appropriate policy for ride-sharing and the taxi trade.

In a statement today, he urged young people to “focus on the task at hand, do your job well and your reputation will precede you. Even your competitor will acknowledge your achievements.”

He noted that he had applied for jobs only with KPMG, the international audit firm, where he got his start, and subsequently with Bumiputra Merchant Bank. “I did not apply for the other positions. They all came by invitation,” he said.

Over the past 28 years, Abdul Wahid has been with UEM Group, Telekom Malaysia, Maybank and the federal government.

He and his wife had visited several resorts during his break and were on the last day of a ‘honeymoon’ in the Maldives. “Yes, vacation with family including your parents and extended family is important,” he said.