KUALA LUMPUR: Former foreign minister Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim described the late Tun Daim Zainuddin as meticulous in financial management, both within the party (Umno) and as finance minister.
He recalled Daim's role during the 1997-1998 financial crisis.
"I still remember during the challenging times of 1997 and 1998, he engineered a move that allowed capital to be brought in without scrutiny or tax, helping to overcome the financial crisis at that time."
"So, all the savings of the wealthy individuals from abroad came back to Kuala Lumpur without any questions and the amount of this money was nearly RM28 billion at that time.
"This was what caused Malaysia to not have to borrow from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at that time," he said when met at Daim's residence after paying his last respect.
Rais said Daim was also a man of few words, a theorist and worked diligently.
He said Daim throughout his career had championed the rural communities.
"He always emphasised that rural development should be given more attention in policy and financial allocations to support farmers, fishermen, and small business owners.
"Daim's legacy is not just in his financial achievements, but in his advocacy for the marginalised," he said.
Daim passed away today at 8.21am at the age of 86 at Assunta Hospital in Petaling Jaya.