Daim and AK: Towering Legacies of 2 Tycoons
Rising to the top
Daim Zainuddin and T Ananda Krishnan, both 86, passed away within days of each other in November. They were both born in 1938, on the cusp of World War II. Coincidence or not, their lives were intertwined, and their legacies continue to shape the business landscape in Malaysia.
Daim, a businessman and two-time finance minister under Dr Mahathir Mohamad, was known for his negotiation skills and his ability to grow Malaysia’s wealth. He reprised his role as finance minister in 2018, but his second stint was marred by controversy. Ananda, or AK as he was known, built a business empire that spanned telecommunications, media, satellites, oil and gas services, properties, and power production.
The Mahathir connection
Both Daim and AK had a close relationship with Mahathir, the most powerful and controversial figure in Malaysia’s history. This relationship was both personal and transactional, helping their ambitions, but also left them with a legacy of controversy.
A bystander’s thoughts
As someone who has observed the lives of these two tycoons, I am left pondering the question of when enough is enough. While I may not share the same level of wealth or power, I am reminded that charm and good looks are not enough to guarantee success.
Going out on a low
Daim’s final days were marked by court appearances, facing multiple charges related to his business and political activities. Ananda’s empire, once a juggernaut, began to decline, and he faced allegations of impropriety in his business dealings in India.
Under a cloud
Ananda’s travails in India remind me of Tony Fernandes, another Malaysian tycoon who also saw the potential of the Indian market. Both men had high hopes, but their experiences were marked by failure and legal troubles.
Role in Petronas
However, AK’s legacy also includes his role in starting Petronas, Malaysia’s national oil company, which is now a global player. Malaysia owes AK a debt of gratitude for his contribution.
Conclusion
Daim and AK left behind a complex legacy, marked by both achievement and controversy. As I reflect on their lives, I am left wondering when enough is enough. I offer my condolences to those who loved and miss them, and urge everyone to put their own lives in perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was Daim’s role in Malaysian politics?
A: Daim was a two-time finance minister under Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Q: What was AK’s business empire like?
A: AK built a business empire that spanned telecommunications, media, satellites, oil and gas services, properties, and power production.
Q: What was the nature of Daim and AK’s relationship with Mahathir?
A: The relationship was both personal and transactional, helping their ambitions, but also leaving them with a legacy of controversy.
Q: How did Daim and AK end their days?
A: Daim faced multiple charges in court, while Ananda’s empire declined, and he faced allegations of impropriety in India.