Daim expresses support for Dr M at gathering in Pendang

Daim (second from left) joining hands with Pribumi candidate for Pendang parliamentary seat Wan Saiful Wan Jan (right), Tokai state seat candidate Mohd Firdaus Jaafar (second right) and Sungai Tiang state seat candidate Abdul Razak Khamis in Pendang on Tuesday.

PENDANG: Former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin's voice trembled slightly when he spoke, but his message was loud and clear - Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad should be back as Prime Minister.

Daim, who had previously denied campaigning for Dr Mahathir, openly expressed support for his close friend and fellow Kedahan at a gathering at Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia office here Tuesday.

"Barisan Nasional is still blaming Tun M for the problems we are facing today, but Tun M retired more than 15 years ago, and in his 22 years at the helm, everyone praised him.

"Why would a man who had retired with a good reputation after achieving so much, make a comeback at this advanced age if it is not for a good and noble reason?

"For one last time, he wants to fight for the Malays and the Malaysians as a whole. He is willing to sacrifice for us and we must make a sacrifice too, for ourselves and the future," he said.

Daim had been finance minister between 1984 and 1991, when Dr Mahathir was at the helm of the government. He is still an Umno member.

Dr Mahathir, who is Pakatan Harapan chairman, will be contesting the Langkawi parliamentary seat in GE14.

He will contest as an independent candidate, but will use the PKR logo.