Is this the man who could save Salim Mehajer's empire?

Malaysian-born businessman Kenneth W.H. Lee was installed as a director of two of the most troubled Mehajer companies last week, in what could be interpreted as a sign the controversial developer-politician is being forced to take a back seat from its financial affairs.

The move comes as the suspended deputy mayor of Auburn council is searching for a major source of cash to settle disputed loans amid mounting claims of missed payments.

Mehajer companies have been negotiating for weeks to secure new loans believed to be over $50 million for its signature project, a 14-storey block in Lidcombe known as Sky Point towers.