KUALA LUMPUR: Former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, who passed away this morning, will be remembered as a "simple" man with a brilliant mind by those who knew him.

"I have known Tun Daim since I was a child, he had a brilliant mind," said Akhramsyah Sanusi Junid, the son of Daim's long-time ally and former Kedah menteri besar Tan Sri Sanusi Junid.

Akhramsyah said his parents and Daim and his late wife, Toh Puan Mahani Idris, were very close.

He said Daim had a simple lifestyle and this was apparent in the way he dressed.

"He would attend international conferences in just a short-sleeve batik shirt while others would be wearing suits," he told the New Straits Times.

"But no one would judge him simply because he was Daim. He was simple that way, but brilliant and intellectually deep in character."

Akramsyah said that while helping him campaign in the 14th general election, Daim insisted on stopping by a roadside stall for Gulai Ikan Temenung.

"'It was just a shack in a rural area in Pendang. To me, it highlighted the simplicity of the man despite his wealthy image."

In 2018, as chairman of the Council of Eminent Persons, a photo of Daim wearing sandals during his meeting with China's foreign minister went viral, though it was later explained that he had foot pain

Akramsyah said Daim always had "unexpected" advice for him.

"The last advice he gave was for me to find a way to contribute to Kedah's economic development regardless of the political differences I have with the state government of the day."

Daim died earlier this morning. He was 86.

The businessman turned politician served as finance minister between 1984 to 1991 and later between 1998 to 2001.

Daim, from Alor Star, Kedah, also served as a member of Parliament for five terms between 1982 and 2004.

In 2018, Daim and other party veterans who supported backed Dr Mahathir in opposing then-prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak were sacked from Umno.

Daim would go on to appear in Pakatan Harapan rallies ahead of the 14th general election which saw the fall of Najib and the Barisan Nasional government.

Following the change of government, Daim spearheaded a Council of Eminent Persons tasked with advising the new government for its first 100 days.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/1133694/simple-daim-always-impressed-his-brilliant-mind