Asset disclosure: Daim seeks MACC's report against him

 

Former finance minister Daim Zainuddin is seeking the MACC report that initiated a criminal investigation against him.

The businessperson said this is necessary to ensure a fair criminal trial of his asset-disclosure court case.

In his affidavit affirmed on Wednesday last week, Daim claimed that prosecutors failed or refused to disclose the report when his lawyers wrote to them on Jan 31.

"The complaint (MACC report) is relevant to ensure a fair trial of the charge, consistent with my right under Article 5 of the Federal Constitution.

"The complaint is relevant for this court to reach a fair and just decision upon the charge against me," Daim said over his fundamental right to life and personal liberty.

The 85-year-old is facing a charge under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009 for alleged failure to abide by the anti-graft agency's notice for him to disclose his assets.

Daim's application came up for mention before the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court this morning.

During open-court proceedings before trial judge Azura Alwi, deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin indicated prosecutors would object to the application.

Azura then set Aug 27 for hearing of Daim's bid.

Alleged failure to disclose all assets

On Jan 29, Daim claimed trial to the charge of failing to abide by a MACC notice to disclose his assets, encompassing 38 firms, 25 pieces of land and property, seven luxury vehicles, and two investment fund accounts.

He allegedly gave a sworn written statement that did not comply with the MACC notice under Section 36(1) of the MACC Act.

Accused of committing the offence between Dec 13 and 14 last year, he may be jailed for up to five years and fined up to RM100,000.

Daim was released on RM280,000 bail with one surety.

His wife Na'imah Abdul Khalid is also facing a similar criminal charge before the lower court. - Mkini