Commentary: Former Malaysia finance minister Daim Zainuddin shows how political legacies outlast controversy

Daim Zainuddin is seen in a wheelchair at the Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex on Jan 29, 2024. KUALA LUMPUR: In the annals of political history, few can boast the ability to weather controversy as effectively as Malaysia’s former finance ministerafter his death - acclaiming him as a key architect of Malaysia’s economic success during the 1980s and 1990s - offers a poignant example of how controversy can fade in the face of a larger, indelible political legacy.

Daim served as Mahathir’s finance minister during the latter’s first tenure as prime minister from 1984 to 1991.He served as finance minister again after the dismissal of Anwar Ibrahim from 1998 to 2001,Yet Daim's death saw a rush of reverential tributes to his role in transforming Malaysia into one of Southeast Asia's economic powerhouses. This outpouring of positive sentiment

In Malaysia, where many powerful figures have long been entangled in corruption, the accusations seem to lose their power, reduced to mere political theatre. However, the charges, widely seen as politically motivated, did not tarnish his legacy. Upon his release, Lula staged a stunning political comeback, returning to the political spotlight and eventually winning the presidency again in 2022.

In this light, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia’s current leader, should take heed. Like his predecessors, Anwar’s legacy will undoubtedly be shaped by both his successes and his controversies.

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