KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat observed a moment of silence over the passing of Tun Daim Zainuddin.
Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul as well as several MPs from across the aisle paid tribute to the former finance minister and lawmaker during yesterday’s sitting.
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“With sadness, I would like to announce that Tun Daim Zainuddin, a former MP of Kuala Muda and Merbok and former member of the Federal Government had passed away on Nov 13, 2024,” Johari said before beginning the post-lunch break proceedings. Johari said Daim had also served as a senator from 1980 and 1982 and later as an MP for Kuala Muda and Merbok from 1982 to 2003.
Johari relayed his condolences to Daim’s family on behalf of Parliament.
“I hope his family will continue to be strong at this time,” he said.
He then asked Muslim lawmakers to recite prayers for the departed and for non-Muslims to observe a moment of silence.
Before she began her speech during Question Time, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, expressed her condolences to Daim’s family.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express condolences to the family members of Daim, who left us this morning,” Teo said.
During his own speech, Opposition leader and Larut MP Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin described Daim as a great Malaysian economic architect during a period when the country was known as an “Asian Tiger”.
“He has contributed to the community and the country, especially during the 1998 financial crisis. Daim was a real leader and towards the end of his life, he was still fighting for fairness.
“I would like to express my condolences and I request all Muslims to pray for him,” said Hamzah.
Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya) also expressed sadness over Daim’s passing, describing him as a warrior who has contributed much to the nation. “I convey my condolences to his family,” added Radzi.
Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor also expressed condolences to Daim’s family.
Daim passed away at the age of 86 at Assunta Hospital, where he had been admitted since having suffered a stroke last month.
