KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Malaysia should promote itself as a premier golfing destination as a way to boost the tourism industry, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Speaking from his personal experience, Najib said whether a place had a golf course or not had always been a decisive factor whenever he decided on a holiday destination with his family.

"When my wife asks me where to go for holiday, I will always browse through magazines to look for a golfing destination," he said at the launch of the Mines Golf City last night.

Annika Sorenstam, one of the world's top female golfers attended the event. The golf resort features three 18-hole and one nine-hole golf courses. Sorenstam designed one of the 18-hole courses.

However, Najib said that he could not be selfish and just think about himself when considering holiday destinations.

"I will also have to think about my wife and my children," he said.

He said Malaysia, especially the Mines Golf City, had the advantage of providing wholesome family packages due to its proximity to the city centre.

Najib said the Mines Golf City also had the potential to put Malaysia in the world map by having high-quality golf courses.

Top photo: Najib displaying his skills in golf after dinner last night at the Palace of the Golden Horses in Kuala Lumpur. Second from left, is his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.