SINGAPORE: Malaysian politicians paid tribute to former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, who died on Wednesday (Nov 13) at the age of 86. The businessman-turned-politician served as finance minister from 1984 to 1991 and from 1999 to 2001 under former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad. He was known as the latter’s right-hand man.

Malaysia's Daim Zainuddin, an influential two-times finance minister who led major economic reforms and helped steer the Southeast Asian nation through recessions and the Asian financial crisis, died on Wednesday,

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad expressed sorrow over the death of his friend, Tun Daim Zainuddin, saying the former finance minister faced undue criticism towards the end of his life for “no reason”.

Malaysia's former finance minister Daim Zainuddin arrives at the Kuala Lumpur court complex in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia January 29, 2024. REUTERS/Hasnoor Hussai

Former Malaysian Finance Minister Daim Zainuddin, who pleaded not guilty to charges of failing to disclose assets earlier this year, died early on Wednesday, his lawyer said. The 86-year-old Daim served as finance minister from 1984 to 1991 and from 1999 to 2001 under former premier Mahathir Mohamad.