KUALA LUMPUR – The prosecution has opposed an application by Asnida Daim, the daughter of late former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, to stay proceedings in her case over allegations that she failed to declare her shareholdings in five companies to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
During proceedings at the Sessions Court today, Asnida’s lawyer, Nizamuddin Abdul Hamid, sought to refer several questions of law to the Federal Court, arguing that they involve legal issues similar to those raised in the case of Daim’s widow, Naimah Khalid, who is also facing charges related to failing to declare her assets.
Deputy public prosecutor Nidzuwan Abd Latip objected to the application, maintaining that while the legal issues may be comparable, the circumstances surrounding both cases are different.
“The copy of the application for stay was served to us via email last Friday. As such, I request that the court grant us 14 days to file our reply affidavit,” he said.
Sessions Court judge Rosli Ahmad allowed the prosecution until Aug 17 to file its reply affidavit, while the defence has until Sept 1 to respond. The court fixed Sept 8 for further mention of the application.
On April 7, Asnida, 65, pleaded not guilty to a charge of intentionally submitting a sworn written declaration that allegedly failed to comply with the requirements of a notice issued under Section 36(1)(b) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009.
The notice, dated Nov 8, 2023, was served on her on Nov 14, 2023, by an MACC officer of commissioner rank or higher, requiring her to declare her shareholdings.
The charge relates to shareholdings in five companies – Amiraz Sdn Bhd, Arida Farms Sdn Bhd, Kangkung Catering Sdn Bhd, Transgrade Sdn Bhd and Gajah3 Foods Sdn Bhd.
The alleged offence was committed at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on Dec 13, 2023.
Asnida was charged under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009, which provides for a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM100,000, or both, upon conviction. – August 3, 2026