Condolences pour in for Daim from friends and foes

Condolences and tributes are pouring in for former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, who passed away today.

This includes messages from both sides of the political spectrum.

Daim’s long-time ally Dr Mahathir Mohamad lamented in a statement that the former finance minister was vilified in his final days, referring to the corruption investigation against Daim and his wife Na’imah Abdul Khalid.

Deputy Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong, meanwhile, fondly recalled the time Daim had campaigned for him during the 2018 general election.

“Through my engagements with him, I found Daim very well-informed on global and regional affairs, with extensive contacts with foreign leaders.

“Daim certainly has many detractors and he was part of both the successes and the problems of the previous regime.

“I was hoping that he would complete his memoir as very few had operated at so many levels - internationally and domestically - and for such an extended period, dating back to the 1960s,” Liew said.

A champion with countless deeds

Over in the Dewan Rakyat, lawmakers held a moment of silence this morning to pay their respects to the former finance minister.

Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin described the deceased as a true champion.

“The departed was the country’s economic architect, to the point Malaysia was known as the Asian tiger.

“Countless were his deeds for religion, race, and country, especially when the country was facing the 1998 economic crisis,” he said.

In a statement, Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin similarly said Daim’s tenure as finance minister twice contributed to Malaysia’s rapid economic growth.

“Daim’s role in navigating Malaysia out of the Asian Financial Crisis will always be remembered.

“Let’s pray for Allah to bless his soul and place him among the righteous,” the former prime minister stated.

Others who have expressed condolences include PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.

The government and cabinet ministers also conveyed condolences to Daim’s family, Bernama reported.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil paid tribute to Daim, recognising his significant contributions to the nation during his tenure in the cabinet.

"On behalf of the government, I would like to express our condolences. We pray that his family will have patience in facing this loss. Our condolences," he told Bernama and RTM after attending the "Majlis Jasamu Dikenang Kementerian Komunikasi 2024" event today.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail described Daim as a prominent leader who had made significant contributions to the country.

“May Allah SWT forgive his sins, grant him a place among the believers, and reward him for all his contributions to the nation,” he posted on X.

Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development Nancy Shukri posted on Facebook that Daim was well-known as an economic and political figure who made significant contributions to the development of Malaysia.

“He had served as the finance minister and played a key role in efforts to stabilise the nation's economy during the economic crises of the 1980s and 1990s,” she said.

She added that Daim was also actively involved in various national development initiatives and continuously contributed to education and social welfare through foundations and charitable activities.

Dr M laments vengeful vilification of Daim in his final days

Daim passes away