Daim held no malice for those who distrusted his efforts, says family

Editor’s note: Malaysiakini has disabled comments for this article out of respect for the deceased's family.

“While he no longer walks among us, we hope his efforts - however small - have helped pave the way for a brighter future for all Malaysians.”

The family of the late former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, who passed away on Nov 13 at the age of 86, said that he always believed that Malaysia’s strength was in its “diversity, unity, hard work, and the unshakeable belief that we can achieve greatness together.”

“He forever held onto the hope of the potential of this nation, to see a more just, prosperous, inclusive, and united Malaysia,” they added.

To those who distrusted his efforts, the family said he held no malice.

“For he himself forgave without words, carrying the burden of conflict with grace and the same firm composure that defined his character, leaving all else to the judgment of history,” they added.

The statement did not mention the court cases against Daim and his family.

His long-time friend, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, had lamented that instead of celebrating his contributions to the nation, he was “condemned for no reason. Save for vengeance.”

Below is the family’s statement in full:

1. We wish to express our deepest appreciation to all our family, friends, his friends from around the world, and Malaysians from all walks of life for visiting at our home, and praying and paying last respects at the mosque; for their moving messages and touching tributes to a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Daim Zainuddin.

2. Many who came, we did not know. They shared their stories of him and how he had touched their lives; this was most moving for all of us. There was love and kindness all around.

3. Our gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, staff, and management of Assunta Hospital, for their care and compassion throughout the years and during his final days.

4. We thank as well the members of Jawi, Masjid Wilayah, the police, and Tanah Perkuburan Islam Bukit Kiara for their assistance in our time of need.

5. Knowing Daim, he leaves this world with serenity and gratitude. A proud son of Kedah, his journey from the kampungs of Alor Setar to the world has been one of service, and of the privilege of serving religion, race, and the country he loved. He dedicated his life to Malaysia’s progress, development and economic strength. He believed that true greatness lies not in power but in the quiet fulfilment of duty.

6. But above all things, Daim’s core tenet of his life was his deep and defining faith in Allah. It was always “Syukur kepada Allah”. For all his success in this world, Daim held the firm belief that it was his faith in Allah that rewarded him. And in times of crisis, Daim turned to and trusted in Allah. “Do what you can, and leave the rest to Allah”. For he believed, as we do, that Allah knows best.

7. While we are so proud of him and his achievements, to us, as a family, he was our husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was our guide, our protector, our pillar of strength, and our moral compass. He was not just a man of great intellect and vision, but a gentle soul who taught us in his words and deeds the values of humility, integrity, generosity, compassion, and the strength found in restraint. What he did for others he rarely spoke of, believing that life’s true measure lies not in what we gain, but in what we give.

8. While he no longer walks among us, we hope his efforts - however small - have helped pave the way for a brighter future for all Malaysians. He spoke widely that our nation’s strength lies in diversity, unity, hard work, and the unshakeable belief that we can achieve greatness together. He forever held onto the hope of the potential of this nation, to see a more just, prosperous, inclusive, and united Malaysia.

9. To the young people of Malaysia, Daim believed in you. To him, you are the future. It is your Malaysia now. He knew you would face challenges, but he believed that you could overcome them and not let cynicism or bitterness take root. His message to you was that the road to a better Malaysia may be difficult, but it will always be worth walking.

10. To those who worked and walked alongside him, befriended him, supported him, and believed in his vision, we thank you for enriching his journey. He deeply valued the bonds he shared with so many across the nation and the world. He often spoke of you with gratitude, knowing that no man achieved anything alone.

11. To those who distrusted his efforts, he held no malice; for he himself forgave without words, carrying the burden of conflict with grace and the same firm composure that defined his character, leaving all else to the judgement of history.

12. For us, as a family, we are grateful that we have been given the time we had with him. While his passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts, we take comfort in the legacy he left behind. As we mourn his loss, we celebrate his life and the ways he touched the lives of those around him. May his legacy inspire us to be better.

13. We also humbly request for your prayers and privacy, to reflect and honour his memory in the way he lived - quietly and with dignity.

14. May Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate, bestow His utmost mercy upon his soul and accept his good deeds, and place him amongst the righteous in the highest place in Paradise. Amin.

The family of Daim Zainuddin

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