Daim probe: MACC records statements from four individuals - lawyers

The MACC has recorded statements from four individuals in its investigation against former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, their lawyers said.

Counsels Rajesh Nagarajan and Sachpreetraj Sohanpal, who are acting for the four individuals in question, confirmed in a joint media statement that MACC summoned them to the agency’s headquarters in Putrajaya earlier today.

“The four individuals had been called for their statements to be recorded pursuant to section 30 of the MACC Act 2009.

“All four were very cooperative and had promptly appeared at the MACC headquarters for their statements to be recorded despite being given less than 24 hours’ notice to do so,” both lawyers said.

However, the two counsels claimed that despite this, the MACC “acted in an oppressive, unlawful and high-handed manner”.

The duo cited an incident where MACC officers forced the lawyers to leave the interview room, thus preventing them from representing and advising their clients.

When asked who ordered the lawyers to be removed, the MACC officers alleged that it came from “someone high up”.

The two lawyers reminded the right to legal representation when questioned by enforcement bodies is fundamental to Malaysia’s criminal justice system.

Malaysiakini has reached out to MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki for a response over the matter.

On Dec 21 last year, MACC seized Ilham Tower, a high commercial-value building located in Kuala Lumpur.

The building is owned by the family of Daim, who is also a close associate of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

This is also where the now disbanded Council of Eminent Persons, chaired by Daim, held their meetings when Pakatan Harapan was in power and Mahathir was the premier for the second time. - Mkini