KUALA LUMPUR – Tun Daim Zainuddin has more to answer for as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) continues its investigations into allegations of corruption and money laundering against the former finance minister.
MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki told Scoop that there are a few more cases linked to Daim, even though he was charged yesterday for failing to abide by the notice to declare 71 of his assets.
He added that investigations are carried out under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 (abuse of power for gratification) and Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, which pertains to money laundering.
“After yesterday’s charge, which was made under Section 36(1) of the MACC Act, our investigations into Daim continue for other cases.”
Daim, who appeared frail and in a wheelchair, claimed trial before sessions judge Azura Alwi here yesterday. He was allowed bail of RM280,000 in one surety.
Azura also did not impose additional bail conditions after hearing an account of the 86-year-old’s health from his lawyer.
Daim’s lawyer, M. Puravalen, told the court that the former Umno treasurer is a kidney patient and a stroke survivor, as well as having had one of his eyes removed due to an infection.
Among Daim’s undeclared assets were 38 companies, seven luxury vehicles such as a Rolls Royce 2 Axle Rigid Body, three Mercedes-Benz, a Jaguar XJS HE, an Austin Morris Austin, and a Ford Prefect, as well as 25 properties that include condominium units, houses and hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Pahang, Negri Sembilan, and Kedah.
Since February last year, Daim, who had two spells as finance minister – from 1984 to 1991 and from 1999 to 2001 – has been investigated by the MACC over information linked to his naming in the Pandora Papers published in 2021.
The court fixed case mention on March 22 for Daim and his wife, Toh Puan Na’imah Abdul Khalid, who was also charged with failing to declare her assets. – January 30, 2024