With the ex-minister’s death, questions arise about the enduring impact of cronyism and the possibility of a new political era in Malaysia.

The 86-year-old Daim served as finance minister from 1984 to 1991 and from 1999 to 2001 under former premier Mahathir Mohamad. His lawyer, Gurdial Singh Nijar, confirmed Daim's passing to Reuters, and said the funeral would be held on Wednesday.

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.

Tun Daim Zainuddin, Malaysia’s former finance minister and a key economic strategist, passed away on 13 November at age 86. Daim, who played pivotal roles in two terms as finance minister and recently faced charges,

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,

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