Former finance minister Daim Zainuddin has called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and MACC chief Azam Baki to respect the rule of law and due process.
This was in response to their remarks on an MACC probe against him, which Daim decried as a political witch hunt.
“Anwar’s latest tirade against me on Dec 22 (saying) ‘it is an open secret. Someone had reaped so much wealth’, is a reckless and unsubstantiated insinuation that I am guilty of some unspecified offences.
“This amply shows his animus against me,” Daim said in a statement today.
Further, he alleged that MACC has not communicated to him or his family on why they are being investigated.
The MACC previously confirmed to the media that Daim was being investigated for alleged corruption and money laundering.
They had also seized Ilham Tower, a high-commercial-value building, owned by Daim and his family.
The seizure was reportedly linked to an anti-money laundering investigation that began in late May into a corporate transaction worth RM2.3 billion in November 1997.
The transaction involved publicly listed Renong Bhd and United Engineers Malaysia Bhd (UEM).
The anti-graft agency is also reportedly looking into Daim’s businesses and how the corporate figure obtained all his assets.
Daim’s statement in full is as follows:
I refer to statements issued by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki on the purported investigation against myself and my family members.
I deny categorically any corrupt act or wrongdoing of whatsoever nature by myself or my family. This investigation is nothing short of a political witch hunt against us.
Till today, I have never been informed as to what offence I am alleged to have committed despite my repeated written queries to the MACC. I can reveal that we received a letter signed by Azam Baki himself declining point-blank to tell me what the offence is. Yet, there has been an organised effort to discredit me by releasing misinformation and baseless insinuations against me.
It is public knowledge that Anwar for reasons best known to him regards me as a political threat and foe who must be discredited. It would be futile and dishonest for him to deny this. It is also an irrefutable fact that under the MACC Act 2009, the chief commissioner is dependent upon the PM for appointment or extension of tenure.
Anwar’s latest tirade against me on Dec 22, 2023, “it is an open secret. Someone had reaped so much wealth“, is a reckless and unsubstantiated insinuation that I am guilty of some unspecified offences. This amply shows his animus against me. It is also highly inappropriate and an abuse of power for a prime minister to interfere or influence an ongoing investigation by making blatant public insinuations of guilt. I have consulted my lawyers on this and will take the appropriate action in due course.
Regarding MACC chief Azam Baki, it is unacceptable, unprofessional, and suspicious that he has resorted to making various prejudicial comments against me in public whilst the investigation is still ongoing.
As head of the organisation, Azam must also be held responsible for a slew of “source” news leaks on the purported investigation. These so-called “sources” can only be coming from within the MACC as they purport to reveal details of said investigation. The purpose of the leaks is clearly to justify their high-handed actions against me and to paint myself as a corrupt person and offender. Not being told of the offences against me, I am in no position to answer them or defend myself.
I have, since the beginning of this investigation, extended the fullest cooperation to the MACC and regularly communicated with them via my lawyers. As such, it is patently false for the MACC “sources” to claim I have not made a proper disclosure of the financial details demanded by MACC. I reiterate that all that was asked for in writing by the MACC was disclosed and followed the law.
As a former senior member of the government, and out of respect for the investigative process, I have kept silent until now. However, the prime minister and MACC have not shown the same respect for the process with their continuing uncalled-for comments and statements leaving me with no choice but to respond to protect my reputation and good name.
But it is not only that which concerns me. I am deeply concerned about the fairness and integrity of our institutions. The institutions must be protected for the sake of the nation. It is in the highest public interest that the investigative and prosecution process is not tainted and subverted by bias, unfairness, or political motives. This will affect every Malaysian.
In remembering the oath of office they both swore to uphold, Anwar and Azam must respect the rule of law and due process and act accordingly. - Mkini
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