Daim rebuffs foreign critics

Don’t underestimate Tun Daim Zainuddin, diminutive in stature, wearer of golden silky shirts, especially when he tells you he’s just a simple man longing to retire. He’s probably the most important figure in Malaysia’s post-independence economic history. Nothing happens in corporate Kuala Lumpur without Daim’s knowledge – and usually his say-so. A successful businessman in his own right, a former finance minister (1984-91) and treasurer of the ruling party, Umno, he’s also Mahathir’s closest confidant.