THE Sessions Court has scheduled August 9 to hear former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin’s application to transfer his case to a different judge. The case involves Daim’s alleged failure to comply with a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) notice.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Fadhli Mohd Zamri informed Judge Azrul Darus that the prosecution is awaiting a decision on Daim’s application, which was filed in May.
Daim’s lawyer M Puravalen requested that Daim be exempted from attending the Aug 9 hearing and that bail for Daim and his wife Toh Puan Naimah Abdul Khalid be extended.
However, Deputy Public Prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin objected, citing the upcoming hearing.
Judge Azrul ruled that Daim must attend the Aug 9 proceedings but agreed to extend the couple’s bail.
Daim filed the transfer application on May 7, arguing potential injustice and prejudice, as his wife faces similar charges before the same judge Azura Alwi.
Moreover, Daim was charged on Jan 29 for failing to declare 70 properties and a bank account, including luxury cars and properties across multiple states, in response to an MACC notice issued in December last year.
Meanwhile, his wife was charged on Jan 23 for not declaring properties including Menara Ilham and others in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
The charges fall under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a RM100,000 fine upon conviction. – July 4, 2024
