KUALA LUMPUR - Mr Ananda Krishnan, a prominent Malaysian businessman and philanthropist who rose from an oil trader to one of the country's most prolific dealmakers, has passed away at the age of 86. His investment holding company announced his death, highlighting his significant contributions to Malaysia's economy and society. Throughout his career, which coincided with Malaysia’s economic boom, Mr Ananda built a reputation as a savvy businessman and investor.
His ventures spanned petroleum, entertainment, power, and more, and his fortune was estimated at US$3.8 billion. A long-standing friendship with former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad played a pivotal role in his success, securing him numerous licences and opportunities. Despite his wealth and influence, Mr Ananda maintained a low profile and rarely gave interviews