Daim's wife to lodge police report over alleged MACC power abuse

Former finance minister Daim Zainuddin’s wife will file a police report tomorrow over abuse of power and conspiracy allegations related to MACC’s investigation into her husband.

Na'imah Abdul Khalid’s lawyer, Rajesh Nagarajan, confirmed that she would make the move following Bloomberg’s Sept 26 report detailing claims of political interference in the graftbuster’s operations.

The article quoted anonymous sources suggesting that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had directed the MACC to investigate Daim (above, left) and former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad as well as his sons.

"The report will be done at Petaling Jaya district police headquarters," the lawyer said in a press invite.

The Bloomberg article also quoted unnamed sources saying that in March, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki had instructed his officials to avoid investigating Anwar's former political secretary Farhash Wafa Salvador’s stock purchases, purportedly at the behest of the prime minister.

In response, the Prime Minister’s Office strongly denied the claims.

"The Prime Minister's Office affirms that the prime minister has never issued directives or interfered in investigations conducted by the MACC.

"The MACC operates as an independent body, acting on the basis of complaints received," it was reported as saying.

The anti-graft body also dismissed the allegations saying, “All enforcement action taken by the commission is done without fear or favour; with no interference from any party; fair and without prejudice in all situations based on principles of the law.”

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki

Asset declaration

Daim and Na'imah are facing charges for alleged failure to abide by MACC notices for the couple to disclose their assets.

Daim, 85, was accused of failing to disclose assets encompassing 38 firms, 25 pieces of land and property, seven luxury vehicles, and two investment fund accounts.

Na'imah, 66, was accused of failing to disclose assets involving multiple lands, properties, and luxury vehicles.

The duo was charged separately before the Sessions Court between Jan 23 and 29 under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009.

Accused of committing the offence between Dec 13 and 14 last year, the couple may be jailed for up to five years and fined up to RM100,000.

Daim was released on RM280,000 bail, while Na'imah is out on RM250,000 bail. - Mkini