The '90s corporate hotshot in MACC's crosshairs

Tycoon Robert Tan aka “Casio King” is back in the limelight.

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The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating government fleet manager Spanco Sdn Bhd, putting a spotlight on the businesses of a one-time corporate hotshot linked to former finance minister Daim Zainuddin – Robert Tan Hua Choon. 

But just who is this 83-year-old businessman? Despite a low profile, Tan has political clout, a network of well-connected corporates, a lucrative government concession and a clutch of listed companies to his name.

Door-to-door salesman

Tan, who hails from Muar, Johor, is known as the “Casio King” due to being the first and only distributor of the brand’s watches and calculators in Malaysia. Tan’s relationship with Tokyo-based Casio Computer Co Ltd dates back to 1970.