Daim Zainuddin’s complex legacy and the twilight of Malaysia’s old guard

As pallbearers solemnly ascended the stairs of a Kuala Lumpur mosque on Wednesday, bearing the white casket of Daim Zainuddin, a host of politicians and business leaders gathered to pay their final respects.

Daim, a former finance minister and business tycoon who died this week at 86, was a pivotal figure in shaping modern Malaysia alongside his close ally, Mahathir Mohamad.

His death not only signifies the end of an influential chapter but also raises critical questions about the legacy of power, corruption, and resilience in Malaysian politics.

In his later years, Daim became frail, relying on a wheelchair after having a stroke. His final months were marred by corruption allegations linked to his substantial wealth – charges he denounced as politically motivated revenge orchestrated by current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Together, Daim and Mahathir, whose first term as prime minister lasted from 1981 to 2003, transformed Malaysia from an agrarian society into an industrial powerhouse. Their tenure saw rapid economic growth, but it was also shadowed by accusations of corruption and cronyism.