The MACC’s move to investigate “untouchable” individuals may impact the Anwar Ibrahim-led administration in some ways.
“This is big for the government but I believe the MACC have reasons to launch an investigation.
“Of course, it’s risky to the government especially when it involves prominent leaders or tycoons,” Universiti Malaya academic Awang Azman Awang Pawi told Malaysiakini.
However, he added that those being probed need not worry if they have done nothing wrong.
“We adhere to the innocent until proven guilty principle,” Awang stated.
On Dec 21 last year, the MACC seized Ilham Tower, a high commercial-value building located in Kuala Lumpur.
The building is owned by the family of former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, a close associate of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
The graft buster is investigating Daim over revelations regarding his wealth in the leak of international financial records known as the Pandora Papers.
The leaks found that, in those records alone, Daim’s children, wife, or known business associates jointly held assets worth at least £25 million (about RM141 million).
On Dec 28, Daim decried the probe against him and called it a “political witch hunt”.
Since then, Daim has filed an affidavit for permission for judicial review to challenge the investigation carried out by the MACC.
‘MACC to find evidence’
On that note, political analyst Azmi Hassan said investigating “untouchable” individuals would help uncover truths about certain issues, especially those who were involved in the administration during Mahathir’s first premiership.
“When Mahathir first became prime minister, there were many allegations levelled against Daim and his family in terms of accumulating wealth illegally but was never proven.
“Daim also was mum about the claims. Regardless, it is MACC’s duty to investigate the matter and provide evidence.
“From there, Daim will have the opportunity to prove his innocence using legal avenues,” he added. - Mkini
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