The former minister hailed Daim as a “political giant” who played a major role in supporting former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s plans for the nation’s industrialisation.
Khairy also said Daim did not set his sights on political gains, citing his backing of Anwar Ibrahim as Mahathir’s successor in the 1990s, prior to the fallout between the pair.
“Daim wasn’t a natural politician, nor did he have political ambitions, but he was one of the earliest successful Malay businessmen and an incredibly reliable partner to Mahathir.
“Daim had clarity of thought, just like Lee Kuan Yew,” the former Rembau MP said on the latest episode of the Keluar Sekejap podcast.
Khairy said Daim also supported Mahathir without being a political threat, unlike figures like former deputy prime minister Musa Hitam and ex-finance minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, who were seen as challengers to Mahathir’s authority.
Khairy’s co-host, former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan, said Daim’s legacy had always been perceived as being tied to the excesses of the Mahathir-led Barisan Nasional government.
He added that the present generation had yet to produce business tycoons like Daim.
Daim died on Nov 13 at the age of 86.
He served as finance minister twice, both times under Mahathir. He played a key role in managing Malaysia’s economy and implementing structural adjustments, as well as addressing economic issues following the Asian Financial Crisis. - FMT
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