Syed Hamid, who held several ministerial positions from October 1990 to April 2009, said Daim had served his country well and had contributed immensely to the nation.
Recalling how he first met Daim, Syed Hamid told FMT: “He was a good friend of my late father, and I became a friend and colleague to him while in the Cabinet.
“As a finance minister, he was successful (in his post) during a difficult time. It cannot be denied that he (Daim) served the country well with dedication and commitment.”
Asked about a fond memory of Daim, Syed Hamid said the late politician came down to Kota Tinggi to campaign for him in the 1990 general election.
“It was memorable because usually he does not campaign for anyone, except in his constituency,” he said.
Meanwhile in a call to Astro Awani, the former Kota Tinggi MP said: “Daim was a minister who gave his full dedication and focus to everything that he did.
“Some said he was strict but he had many friends and was always willing to share his knowledge and accept knowledge from others.
“Daim was also very intelligent and was constantly aware of everything that was going on in the country and around the world.”
Syed Hamid, who retired from politics in February 2022, added that youths should take Daim as a great example of someone who had integrity and dedication.
He also quipped: “Dr Mahathir Mohamad was very fortunate to have had Daim as a long-time friend.”
Daim served as finance minister twice. The first stint was from 1984 to 1991 under the former prime minister’s first administration, during which he played a key role in managing Malaysia’s economy and implementing structural adjustments.
He later returned for a second term from 1999 to 2001, again under Mahathir, to address economic issues following the Asian financial crisis.
Daim was laid to rest at the Bukit Kiara Muslim Cemetery this evening. - FMT
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