Razak, Abdul
l rä´zäk), 1922–76, prime minister of Malaysia (1970–76). Elected to the national legislature in 1959, he was deputy prime minister and minister of defense from 1959 to 1970. In 1970, he became prime minister, foreign minister, and defense minister, succeeding Tunku Abdul Rahman. While attempting to reduce racial tensions, he promoted Malay economic control, Islam and the Malay language. He died in office.