Big difference is that while he did make use of connections, he did actually build something tangible and worthwhile.

As compared to cronies today who just take money but make sampah. Or in the case of some cronies, buy condos for cows.

Also, Kuok started off in TAR's time and already made his money before Mahathir even came along. Heck, Ah Jib Kor's daddy was going to him to ask for handouts even.