Honour Daim for what he has done for the nation, says 'indescribably sad' Dr M

PETALING JAYA: "I lost a friend who always fought by my side," says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad over the passing of Tun Daim Zainuddin.

The former prime minister paid tribute to Daim and said that the former finance minister should be honoured for his contributions to the country.

"I have lost a friend who fought alongside me for the nation, the country and religion. I am indescribably sad," said Dr Mahathir in a statement on Wednesday (Nov 13).

Daim was twice the Finance Minister during Dr Mahathir's first tenure as Prime Minister.

"He should have been honoured for his contributions to the struggle (for the country's development)," he said adding that Daim should not have been scorned without reason.

ALSO READ: Daim Zainuddin passes away

Remembering the good old days: Then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad commending Tun Daim Zainuddin after the latter completed his delivery of the Budget speech in Parliament on Feb 25, 2000. Looking on is the former information minister Tan Sri Khalil Yaakob.

He was referring to the court case that Daim was facing towards the end of his life.

"Grant him a place in the afterlife as a fighter for the nation. I pray we will be reunited," said Dr Mahathir.

On Jan 29, Daim, 86, was charged at the Sessions Court with failing to declare his assets.