MACC chief confirms being sued by Daim

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed he has received a summons letter filed by former finance minister Daim Zainuddin.

He said the document contained claims that MACC’s actions were not according to procedure.

He was speaking during a dialogue session on a Sarawak government-owned TV station last night.

“Recently I’ve been sued by Daim.

“Daim sued me because, to him, the action of the chief commissioner is wrong.

“I cannot disclose information (about the suit) because the case has already entered the court,” he said, in the session ‘Integriti: Sejauh mana ketelusan dinilai?’ (Integrity: How is transparency evaluated?)

Former finance minister Daim Zainuddin

‘Highly prejudicial’

Last Friday, Daim’s lawyers said Azam’s statement that the former finance minister “might have more undeclared assets” reeked of sub judice.

According to lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan, Azam’s statement was also highly prejudicial to Daim’s constitutional right to a fair trial as the latter’s court case is still ongoing.

Azam’s comments consistently implied or expressly stated that Daim is guilty, he added.

“Apart from direct statements, there are also endless leaks through so-called ‘sources’, MACC and otherwise,” he said.

The day before, Azam said MACC might summon Daim for questioning again after an ongoing investigation led the anti-graft agency to suspect he might have more assets he has not declared to the commission.

While Azam declined to reveal further details, sources close to the investigation suggested that the assets they are looking into include more properties, shares, and bank accounts both in Malaysia and overseas.

The top anti-graft officer said his investigators need time as MACC required assistance from its counterparts and other relevant agencies overseas.

The week before that, Daim was charged at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court with failing to abide by a MACC notice to disclose his assets.

These allegedly included 38 firms, 25 pieces of land and property, seven luxury vehicles, and two investment fund accounts.

He pleaded not guilty.

On top of this, MACC said they are also continuing other investigations against the business tycoon over allegations of corruption and money laundering.