An offshore trust fund worth hundreds of millions of ringgit linked to Daim Zainuddin’s family as revealed in recently leaked documents has come under the scrutiny of the MACC.
MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed the matter, saying that the graftbuster is looking into the latest leaks that named the former finance minister’s wife and two children as the beneficial owners of the fund.
“Yes, we are investigating this matter. We are working to verify the information first, whether it is true or otherwise.
“We have to get confirmation,” he told Malaysiakini.
On Jan 18, Malaysiakini reported that the leaked documents showed the trust was set up in the names of Daim’s wife, Na’imah Abdul Khalid, and his two sons Muhammed Amir Zainuddin and Muhammed Amin Zainuddin.
The documents were obtained by the Investigative Consortium of Investigative Journalism (ICIJ) and shared with Malaysiakini.
The latest leak from a service provider from the Cayman Islands showed that as late as 2020, there were assets worth some US$52.56 million (RM244.06 million) held in ZA Star Trust, which is owned by Na’imah, Amir, and Amin.
It came amid MACC’s ongoing investigation into undeclared wealth held by Daim, following the Pandora Papers revelation by Malaysiakini and the ICIJ in 2021.
Following the latest leak report, Na’imah issued a statement chiding the media, claiming the matter was reported in a “sensational tone” to create the impression of wrongdoing.
She also stressed that her family has never concealed owning assets abroad earned from “business activities and investments” since before her husband became involved in politics.
In 2021, Daim said all his wealth was obtained legally and trusts were part of legitimate estate management, while Na’imah said two weeks ago that the investigation was politically motivated and sued the MACC.
Two days ago, Na’imah claimed trial to failing to abide by a MACC notice to disclose her assets.
Earlier today, the MACC also said it plans to prosecute Daim next week with at least one charge over his alleged failure to declare several properties that he and his wife have interests in after the matter was delayed due to the tycoon being in hospital. - Mkini
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