On a posting on the Kelab Che Det Facebook page, the Hong Kong-based Kuok, known as Malaysia’s “Sugar King”, told Mahathir: “I salute you sir, you saved the country, of course with Daim’s help,” said Kuok, 94, alluding to former finance minister Daim Zainuddin.

Mahathir then told Kuok, “We need your help now.”

It is understood that Kuok and the other members of the Council of Elders were at the Perdana Leadership Foundation for a meeting with Mahathir.

The Council of Elders, which is led by Daim, includes Kuok, former Bank Negara Malaysia governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz, former Petronas CEO Hassan Merican and prominent economist Jomo Kwame Sundaram.

The council was set up by Mahathir in the aftermath of the May 9 polls to advise the government on economic and financial matters.

Their priorities include reintroducing the sales and services tax after effectively scrapping the 6% goods and services tax, reinstating fuel subsidies, reviewing large-scale government projects and raising minimum wages.

Yesterday, Kuok, who attended his first council meeting, urged Malaysians to put their trust in the council.

“They are all excellent people. Trust them,” he was quoted as saying.