‘It is your Malaysia now’: Family shares Tun Daim's message to the youth

SHAH ALAM – The family of the late Tun Dr Daim Zainuddin shared that the former finance minister never held grudges, even towards those who opposed his efforts.

In a statement on Monday, the family highlighted that the late former lawmaker embodied forgiveness without needing to express it in words.

They described him as a man who faced conflicts with unwavering grace and composure, qualities that defined his character and left his legacy to be judged by history.

“For us as a family, we are grateful that we have been given the time we had with him.

“While his passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts, we take comfort in the legacy he left behind.

“As we mourn his loss, we celebrate his life and the ways he touched the lives of those around him. May his legacy inspire us to be better,” the statement read.

The family requested prayers and privacy during this period of reflection, asking that Daim be remembered with the quiet dignity that he lived by.

“May Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate, bestow His utmost mercy upon his soul and accept his good deeds, and place him amongst the righteous in the highest place in Paradise. Amin,” they added.

The family expressed deep gratitude to all who visited their home, offered prayers, and paid respects at the mosque.

They were especially moved by visitors who shared personal stories of how Daim had touched their lives, illustrating the widespread love and kindness he inspired.

They also thanked the doctors, nurses, and staff of Petaling Jaya Assunta Hospital for their care during Daim’s final days, as well as members of the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (JAWI), Masjid Wilayah, the police, and Tanah Perkuburan Islam Bukit Kiara for their assistance during this difficult time.

While the family is immensely proud of his public achievements, they shared that to them, Daim was foremost a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather—their guide, protector, and moral compass.

He was described as a man of great intellect and vision, yet also a gentle soul who embodied humility, integrity, generosity, and compassion.

The family highlighted that Daim rarely spoke of his contributions, believing that life’s true measure is in what we give rather than what we gain.

They expressed hope that his efforts, however small, helped pave the way for a brighter future for all Malaysians.

The family recalled Daim’s belief in the nation’s strength through unity, diversity, and hard work, and his unshakeable faith in Malaysia’s potential.

“To the young people of Malaysia, Daim believed in you. To him, you are the future. It is your Malaysia now. He knew you would face challenges, but he believed in your ability to overcome them and not let cynicism or bitterness take root. His message was that the road to a better Malaysia may be difficult, but it is always worth the journey,” they shared.

Daim passed away at the age of 86 while receiving treatment at Assunta Hospital.

Born in Kedah in 1938, Che Abdul Daim Zainuddin rose from humble beginnings to study law in London, eventually launching a successful real estate and business career.

This set the stage for his influential role in transforming Malaysia’s economy.

Appointed as finance minister in 1984 by then-prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Daim was instrumental in driving economic reforms and advocating for privatisation.

His leadership was pivotal in Malaysia’s rapid growth during the 1980s.

Though he resigned in 1991, he continued shaping economic policy as a special advisor, particularly during the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.

Daim briefly returned to the government in 1999 as finance minister, steering the country through economic challenges with policies such as pegging the Ringgit Malaysia (RM) to the US Dollar (USD), helping stabilise the economy.

After retiring from politics, he expanded his business ventures globally.

In 2018, Daim returned to public service, leading the Council of Eminent Persons to advise on critical economic reforms.