KUALA LUMPUR: It did not take long for entrepreneur extraordinaire, Sir Richard Branson to voice his stance against controversial American president, Donald Trump.
Speaking candidly during his panel session at the Global Transformation Forum 2017 (GTF2017) today, Branson said that he is saddened that Trump now holds the most important and powerful position in the world.
“I don't have to think long to speak against Trump as I know personally that Donald Trump is a very vindictive individual.
“I had dinner with him once and he was saying that there were five individuals who did not help him when he was bankrupt, and how he will spend his life destroying them," said Branson to a room of over 3,000 people.
“I think this is a sad and dangerous individual and it is sad that he is now in a such powerful and important position.”
Branson also voiced his displeasure against Trump’s refusal to acknowledge climate change.
“It is extraordinary that given all the proven science that is available to us, Trump still refuses to see this," he said.
“I am grateful however that China has now stepped up and taken the lead in helping the environment, starting with their own country. I think if the world can work together, we can help the world."
Branson is the founder of the Virgin Group, a leading international investment group and one of the world’s most recognised and respected brands.
Virgin has created more than 400 branded companies worldwide and employs more than 60,000 people, operating in over 50 countries.
In 2000, Branson was awarded a knighthood for services to entrepreneurship.