Daim pleads not guilty to asset declaration failure under MACC Act

FORMER finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin today pleaded not guilty in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court to a charge of failing to comply with a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) notice by not declaring seventy of his property assets and one bank account in December last year.

"Understood, understood, I am not guilty, ask for a hearing," he said in a low tone after the charges were read out in front of Judge Azura Alwi.

According to the charges, Daim, 86, is accused of deliberately giving a written statement under oath that did not comply with the terms of the notice under Section 36(1)(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 dated 8 November 2023. The clause deals with identifying every property belonging to him or in his possession.

Section 36(2) of the MACC Act provides for a prison sentence of not more than five years and a maximum fine of RM100,000 if he is convicted.

According to Bernama, the assets comprise Amanah Saham Nasional Bhd (ASB) and Amanah Saham Nasional (ASN) bank accounts, seven luxury vehicles such as a Rolls Royce Royce 2 Axle Rigid Body, three Mercedes Benz, a Jaguar XJS HE, Austin Morris Austin and Ford Prefect.

They also involve 38 companies, namely Ibu Kota Developments Sdn Bhd, Maya Seni Holdings Sdn Bhd, Menara Ampang Sdn Bhd, Dream Cruiser Sdn Bhd, Landbelt Corporation Sdn Bhd, Kenari Teliti Sdn Bhd, Fnq Advanced Materials Sdn Bhd, Kota Tandop Development Sdn Bhd, Alun-Alun Resort (M) Sdn Bhd, Dasar Seroja Sdn Bhd, Gigantic Promotions Sdn Bhd, Jupiter Alliance Sdn Bhd, Inayat Realty Sdn Bhd, Suasa Urus Sdn Bhd, Avillion Bhd, Meridian Haven Sdn Bhd, Avillion Vista Hotel Sdn Bhd, Vast Access Sdn Bhd and Fortune Valley Sdn Bhd.

Also in the list are Reliance E-Com Sdn Bhd, Admiral Marina Bhd, Golden Envoy (M) Sdn Bhd, Mela Lifestyle Sdn Bhd, AVI SPA Sdn Bhd, Avillion Hotel Group Sdn Bhd, RPB Capital Holdings Sdn Bhd, Genius Field Sdn Bhd, Festive Place Sdn Bhd, Avillion Suite Hotel (PD) Sdn Bhd, Taman Unik Sdn Bhd, Admiral Cove Development Sdn Bhd, Nesline Sdn Bhd, RPB Development Sdn Bhd, OS Resources Sdn Bhd, Avillion Hotel (Kl) Sdn Bhd, Avillion Hotels International Sdn Bhd, Admiral Hill Hotel Sdn Bhd and Reliance Shipping & Travel Agencies (Perak) Sdn Bhd.

The properties include 25 condominium units, houses and hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Pahang, Negri Sembilan and Kedah.

Daim, who appeared frail, had earlier been brought the Kuala Lumpur court complex on a wheelchair. He has been hospitalised over the past two weeks.

He was accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Na’imah Abdul Khalid and their lawyers.

On January 23, Na’imah was also charged with giving a sworn written statement that did not comply with the terms of the notice in accordance with Section 36(1)(b) of the MACC Act, dated November 8 last year. 

According to MACC, the investigation on Daim was initiated based on information obtained from the Pandora Papers, which allegedly disclosed details related to confidential documents of wealthy and influential individuals worldwide hiding their wealth through offshore services or companies outside of their countries.

The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin, who also heads MACC’s prosecution division.

Daim was represented by lawyer M Puravelan.

Wan Shaharudin asked the court to set bail for Daim of between RM250,000 to RM500,000 with one surety, with the additional condition that he must report to the MACC headquarters once a month and hand over his passport to the court until the case is completed.

He also asked the court to advise that all parties not make any statements regarding the case since the accused has already been charged.

Puravelan then asked the court to consider Daim’s health, stressing that he had suffered a mild stroke a few years ago and is afflicted with an eye infection which require him to take various types of medication.

Azura allowed Daim to be bailed at RM280,000 with one surety and no additional conditions.

The court set March 22 for re-mention of the case. – The Vibes, January 29, 2024.