Tun Daim Zainuddin Malaysian Elder Statesman and Patron of the Arts
Political art in Malaysia must be subtle

To many people, retirement means an easy life and relaxation. But to Malaysian elder statesman Tun Daim Zainuddin, freedom from government duties and politics means a chance to indulge in a longtime passionart. Yet, for this former Malaysian finance minister, it is not just about collecting paintings, sculptures and antique potteries. For the Tun (Malaysia's highest honorific bestowed on deserving citizens)as he is referred to by friends and associatesthe pleasure is in being able to share art with everyone. Hence the Ilham Art Gallery, containing exhibits that are open to the public for free, the first in Malaysia and perhaps even in the ASEAN region. It occupies three floors of the brand-new and imposing 60-floor Ilham building, which the Tun happens to own.

The 78-year-old Tun's unassuming and soft-spoken persona belies the power he once held and the influence he still retains. Trained as a lawyer and an urban planner, he rose high in his country's political and corporate world, specifically in property development and banking. He retired from public service in 2001, after having servedon two separate occasionsas Malaysia's finance minister. He was an elected parliamentarian representing Alor Star and was for years the treasurer of UMNO.

March 22, 2016