KUALA LUMPUR: A sombre, cloudy sky cast a reflective calm over the Federal Mosque as the hearse carrying Tun Daim Zainuddin's remains arrived for the 'solat jenazah', or funeral prayer.
Family members and close friends of the former finance minister stood in silence, their faces marked with grief, as the coffin was carried into the mosque around 3.50pm.
Draped in a green cloth, Daim's coffin was placed at the centre of the prayer hall, allowing family and friends to pay their final respects.
The imam led the Asar prayer, followed by a funeral prayer conducted by Daim's relative, uniting nearly the entire congregation in solemn reverence.
A family member addressed those gathered, expressing heartfelt gratitude and seeking forgiveness on Daim's behalf for any unintentional offence he may have caused.
Notable figures paying their respects included former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, former minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, and opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
They offered their condolences to Daim's widow, Toh Puan Na'imah Abdul Khalid, sharing in her loss.
As the prayers concluded, the weather shifted to gentle sunlight, casting a serene glow as Daim's coffin was returned to the hearse.
Speaking to the press after the prayers, Fahmi expressed his appreciation for the late statesman's contribution, both personally and on behalf of the government.
"Indeed, we cannot deny that during the mid-1980s recession, Allahyarham helped the government as Finance Minister.
"The tasks he carried out helped return Malaysia to a better state," Fahmi
"As the Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai, Allahyarham helped me gain my victory there in 2018. It's something I won't forget," he recalled.
The procession then departed for the Bukit Kiara Muslim Cemetery, where he would be laid to rest.
Daim, 86, passed away today at the Assunta Hospital.
The businessman turned politician served as finance minister twice, the first from 1984 to 1991 and later between 1998 to 2001.