KUALA LUMPUR —With her lion-like mane, big round eyes and habit of waiting faithfully by the door, Kiky wasn’t just any house cat — she was a national feline icon.
Today, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced the death of his beloved Persian companion, believed to be at least 15 years old.
Kiky had been with the Razak family since 2010, when Najib was still serving as Malaysia’s sixth prime minister.
“Kiky is gone, guys. Thank you, Allah, for placing Kiky in my life all this while. She was so good and affectionate. Every day, she would wait for me by the door after work. Rest now, Kiky,” Najib wrote in a Facebook post today.
The news of Kiky’s passing has prompted an outpouring of condolence messages from fans who fondly remember the cat’s many appearances online over the years, often pictured lounging around the house or curled up by her owner’s side.
Kiky, who had more than 13,000 followers on Instagram (@kikytamanduta), was one of four cats in the Razak household, alongside Leo, Tiger and Simba. She joined the family in 2010 after Najib invited Malaysians to help name a new addition to his furry brood via his blog.
Since then, Kiky’s fluffy demeanour and gentle presence endeared her to many, making her an unexpected but welcome fixture in the country’s digital public life.
Even as Najib now serves a six-year prison sentence for his role in the 1MDB scandal, his Facebook page remains active, offering occasional glimpses into his thoughts and life, including the more personal and tender moments, such as today’s tribute to his cherished pet.
Najib began his sentence in August 2022 after being convicted in one of the 1MDB-linked corruption cases.
His original 12-year term was halved following a royal pardon in early 2024, with a reduced fine of RM50 million.
His current bid to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest remains under court review. — July 14, 2025