Daim 1938 - 2024.

 Fri 15.11.2024.

This belated note does not mean that this piece is an afterthought. I was just finding a suitable time to at least add this note in my collection of comments I'd felt worthwhile making. Certainly Daim was one UMNO stalwart worth making a note about.

The recent photos of him in the on-going court case involving the charges against him surprised me as looking sickly, with one eye drooping, and being wheeled around in a wheelchair. His passing on the morning of 13.11.2024, at 86, now, sadly, confirmed his state of health.

He was the Finance Minister at 46, back in 1984 until 1991, and again at 61 in 1999 until 2001. Certainly he was clearly in charge at that Ministry. There was the financial crisis for the country. And UMNO, too, had its own financial issues. I was a delegate at one UMNO National Convention when he made the phone calls for the contribution in front of the delegates. And his personal wealth is an attribute to his financial savvy.

Anwar's and Zahid's absence of public condolences is the manifestation of the lack of class on their part. That's  unsurprising.  But Mahathir's quick and eloquent tribute somewhat made up for the accolades due but not forthcoming from the nation on a man who pulled his weight in the financial management of the country. Sending that young side-kick to pay respect to the bereaved family was more insolence than benevolence.

In the 67-year history of the country's political revival from British colonialism, many people have been elected and chosen for the vital positions of responsibilities in the chosen governments running and developing the young nation. Not all had fulfilled their duties. Daim did.  Just look at the facts, a few of them touched by Mahathir's tribute. And to prove the point, Daim himself found his niche in the opportunities he created for the country he served.

Let Malaysian history record the passing of this man in the proper manner.  Let's put value where value is deserving.

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