Daim applies for new judge to hear asset disclosure case

 

Former finance minister Daim Zainuddin has requested a switch in Sessions Court judges to hear his case, which involves failure to comply with a notice to declare assets such as luxury vehicles, companies, and properties.

Deputy public prosecutor Law Chin How, who was informed of this matter during the case mention before judge Azura Alwi today, said the prosecution needs time to respond to the affidavit for the request.

"Considering there's a request from the defence to transfer the proceedings of this case to another Sessions Court, I request that this application be heard first. There's no objection from the defence," he said.

Daim's lawyer M Puravelan confirmed the matter.

Law further requested that the Daim and his wife Na’imah Abdul Khalid’s application to refer the constitutional issue related to the case to the High Court, be jointly heard.

However, Azura decided that Daim's application to transfer the case to another Sessions Court be heard first on July 4 and set the same date for the couple's case management.

Daim applied to transfer the case on May 7, citing, among other reasons, the possibility of unfairness and prejudice against him because Na'imah's case is also being heard before the same judge.

On Jan 29, Daim, 86, pleaded not guilty to charges of failing to comply with an MACC notice by not declaring assets, which included several luxury vehicles, companies, and properties across Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, and Kedah.

Daim’s wife Na’imah Abdul Khalid

On Jan 23, Na'imah, 66, was charged with one count of failing to comply with a MACC notice by not declaring assets, including Menara Ilham and several properties in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

They are charged under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009, which carries a maximum penalty of imprisonment not exceeding five years and a fine of up to RM100,000.

- Bernama