The MACC today said it issued a notice to trace four people linked to the late former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, after they allegedly failed to respond to examination notices and attempts to contact them proved unsuccessful.
This development marks the latest escalation in Ops Godfather, a long-running investigation into offshore companies and assets allegedly linked to Daim, his family members, and business associates.
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) first exposed the investigations through the Pandora Papers in 2021.
MACC stressed that the trace notice is not a wanted list nor a punitive measure, but a procedural step taken only after multiple extensions and reasonable opportunities were granted.
The agency has called on the four individuals to report immediately to its Putrajaya headquarters to assist the investigation.
To support its position, the MACC today issued what it views as a detailed chronology of its investigation into the aforementioned case. This chronology aims to explain its investigative measures, after questions were raised about the timing of the matter.
Malaysiakini is publishing the MACC statement in full, below:
The MACC would like to update the public on the latest developments in the investigation under Ops Godfather, conducted pursuant to Section 23 and Section 36 of the MACC Act 2009, as well as Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) 2001.
Background of the investigation
The investigation commenced following disclosures in the Pandora Papers in 2021 by the ICIJ, which revealed the existence of offshore companies and assets allegedly linked to the late Daim Zainuddin, his family members, and business associates.
This information formed the basis of preliminary intelligence gathering and the opening of an investigation paper by MACC in 2023.
Between June 2023 and November 2023, MACC issued notices under Sections 36(1)(a) and 36(1)(b) of the MACC Act 2009 to the late Daim, Na’imah Abdul Khalid, and their children for the purpose of asset declaration.
During the compliance period for the notices issued under Sections 36(1)(a) and 36(1)(b), MACC granted five extensions in addition to the original notice period dated June 7, 2023.
The first extension was requested on July 6, 2023; the second on Aug 10, 2023; the third on Sept 11, 2023; the fourth on Oct 11, 2023; and the fifth on Nov 14, 2023.
MACC informed that the fifth extension would be the final extension. In total, a period of six months was granted for compliance.
However, reviews and analyses of the information submitted found continued failures and non-compliance in the declaration of several assets as required under the notices.
Subsequently, on Jan 23, 2024, Na’imah was charged at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009. On Jan 29, 2024, the late Daim was likewise charged in court over the same offence.
New developments in the investigation (2025–2026)
On Nov 20, 2025, MACC opened six new reports under Section 36(1)(b) of the MACC Act 2009 against several individuals following additional information received from foreign enforcement agencies, including those in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Singapore.
Investigations found that the individuals concerned had failed to fully comply with the requirements of the notices, including non-declaration of high-value assets and bank accounts.
Accordingly, six investigation papers were opened against Na’imah, Josephine Premla Sivaretnam, and four children of the late Daim, namely Asnida Abdul Daim, Wira Dani Abdul Daim, Amir Zainuddin Daim, and Amin Zainuddin Daim.
All are being investigated under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009 for failure to fully declare assets.
Notice to attend examination
On Feb 13, 2026, Notice to Attend for Examination under Section 30(1)(a) of the MACC Act 2009 was served through the law firm Messrs Zharif Nizamuddin.
MACC subsequently received a request for an extension of time from legal counsel on Feb 16, 2026. MACC thereafter set a final date requiring the named individuals to attend the MACC office on March 11, 2026.
However, as of Feb 26, 2026, no response had been received, and attempts to contact the individuals were unsuccessful. The solicitors previously informed MACC that their clients were overseas and that they were experiencing difficulties contacting them.
Based on the latest information, MACC believes that three individuals are abroad, while one individual remains within the country.
Not a ‘Wanted List’
Following the failure to respond and non-compliance with two official notices that had been duly served, MACC has issued a Notice to Trace Individuals as a lawful follow-up action.
MACC emphasises that the Notice to Trace Individuals is neither a form of punishment nor a “Wanted List”. The notice is not intended to embarrass any party but serves as a procedural mechanism to locate individuals and ensure their attendance to assist in investigations.
This action was taken only after multiple reasonable opportunities and time extensions had been granted, including previous extensions.
MACC reiterates that all individuals are subject to the rule of law and will be treated fairly regardless of background or status.
Accordingly, MACC calls upon the four individuals concerned to present themselves at MACC headquarters, Putrajaya, immediately to assist in the investigation and to avoid any further legal action under applicable laws.
MACC remains committed to conducting investigations professionally, independently, and with integrity in the interest of the nation. - Mkini
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