FORMER finance minister Daim Zainuddin is useful and a good judge of people that the government wants to employ, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“He is consulted. People need advisers, people with certain knowledge. And he is a man knowledgeable about politics and business.

“He also has experience and when we are borrowing money and repaying debts, his expertise is useful,” he told BFM’s Breakfast Grille today.

“He has moved around and met a lot of people here and abroad. He is a good judge of the quality of the people we employ.”

Dr Mahathir, however, denied speculation that Daim wielded a lot of influence in the government although not an elected representative.

“If he has objections, he has to give reasons for them.

“It’s not true that all his recommendations are accepted,” said Dr Mahathir when asked if Daim’s approval was needed for appointments in government-linked companies. – September 17, 2019.