THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today responded to claims by Tun Daim Zainuddin which it said had caused unnecessary confusion and misunderstanding over the investigation of his case.
"First of all, the MACC has never at any point raised or issued any official statement accusing Daim of committing any offences," MACC said in a statement.
In the case of Daim, the MACC said it opened an investigation paper in February 2023 based on information from the Pandora Papers.
As part of the investigation, on June 7, 2023, a Notice under Section 36(1)(a) of the MACC Act 2009 (Act 694) was sent to Daim requesting that he make a written and sworn statement to declare all his assets whether inside or outside the country within 30 days from the date the Notice was issued.
"Daim had applied for five extensions and he was granted the extensions on July 6, 2023; August 10, 2023; September 11, 2023; October 11, 2023 and the last on November 14, 2023, to declare all his assets.
"As part of the investigation process, the public prosecutor had issued a Notice of Seizure on Ilham Tower on December 18, 2023, under Section 38(1), MACC Act 2009 (Seizure of immovable property),".
MACC said Daim is being investigated under Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Act 2009, and Section 4 (1) Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA).
"However, based on the legal principle of 'presumption of innocence', anyone being investigated for any offences is innocent until proven guilty, and he has every opportunity to clear his name if the case is brought to the court of law.
"It has to be reiterated that the MACC is an independent Commission and acts objectively and professionally according to stipulated laws and regulations, in addition to being monitored by five independent oversight bodies.
"Therefore, the MACC urges all to restrain from speculating on the case and allow investigations to proceed without interference,".
Two days ago, Daim hit out at the MACC's investigation against him and his family, labelling it as nothing more than a “political witch-hunt.”
He called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki to respect the rule of law and due process.
In a statement, he said that Azam Baki had not informed him of the offence he had allegedly committed.
“I categorically deny any corrupt act or wrongdoing of whatsoever nature by myself or my family. This investigation is nothing short of a political witch-hunt against us,” he said.
He said he had repeatedly written queries to the MACC and had received a letter signed by Azam Baki declining to tell him what the offence was. - The Vibes, December 30, 2023
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