KUALA LUMPUR: The invaluable contributions of the late Tun Daim Zainuddin, especially his pivotal role in the restructuring and recovery of Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), will always be cherished, says Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa.
The former minister in the prime minister's department (religious affairs) noted that Daim was appointed chairman of the Council of Eminent Persons (CEP) on May 12, 2018. A core mission of the council was to oversee the restructuring and recovery of TH, which faced a RM4bil deficit that expanded to RM10bil by the end of 2018.
"Initial findings from the advisory council revealed mismanagement within TH, including questionable stock purchases and funds leading to substantial financial losses. Problems with governance and accounting standards compliance were also uncovered," said the Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) deputy president in a statement on Thursday (Nov 14).
Mujahid, also a Senator, said that the committee appointed former Securities Commission executive chairman Tan Sri Mohammed Nor Md Yusof as the new TH chairman, while former BIMB Holdings Bhd CEO Datuk Seri Zukri Samat became the new CEO.
As the minister responsible for the religious affairs portfolio at the time, Mujahid was tasked with executing the TH restructuring and recovery plan.
"Tun Daim's invaluable contributions as chairman of the CEP, particularly in overseeing TH's recovery, will forever be remembered. It was under his guidance that the restructuring framework for TH for 2018-2020 was initiated. Alhamdulillah, TH is now on the right track to meet future challenges," Mujahid stated.
Daim, whose full name is Che Abdul Daim Zainuddin, passed away at 8.21am Wednesday (Nov 13) while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Petaling Jaya.
A seasoned statesman, Daim served as Malaysia's finance minister twice.
His first tenure, from 1984 to 1991 under Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s administration, saw him playing a crucial role in managing Malaysia’s economy and implementing structural reforms.
He returned for a second term from 1999 to 2001 under Dr Mahathir, addressing the economic challenges from the Asian financial crisis.
The CEP was established after the 14th General Election (GE14), with other distinguished members including former Bank Negara governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz, former Petronas president and CEO Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican, and prominent economist Prof Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram. – Bernama
