LAWYERS representing former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin and his wife Toh Puan Na’imah Abdul Khalid have criticised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent public statement regarding the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) probe against the couple, deeming it “highly prejudicial”.
Responding to Anwar’s remarks made the previous day about the alleged silence of the opposition regarding the MACC probe of wealthy individuals, Rajesh Nagarajan and Sachpreetraj Singh issued a media statement today questioning Anwar’s repeated public criticism of Daim.
The two counsels argued that Anwar’s statements portrayed Daim in a negative light and implied his guilt, despite no court having found him guilty of any offence. They highlighted Anwar’s attempt to rally public opinion against Daim by criticising the opposition’s supposed silence on the ongoing probe.
“Why does Anwar need to call for the opposition and others to support the MACC’s actions? There is a legal process properly set out under the MACC Act which governs investigations.
“This process does not include any role for the prime minister to carry out rabble-rousing against persons being investigated. This process must be carried out free from outside pressures or influence.
“It is unbecoming and reckless for the person occupying the influential position of prime minister to make such insinuations and inflammatory statements regarding an ongoing probe and pending court proceedings.
“Anwar’s statement is highly prejudicial to the pending court proceedings and capable of exerting undue pressure and influence upon the MACC.
“It disrespects and interferes with both the court and the investigative process. It sends out the signal that Daim’s guilt is already established and that the rest is just mere formality,” the lawyers said.
Moreover, the lawyers condemned Anwar’s remarks as prejudicial to the pending court proceedings and potentially influencing the MACC’s actions. They also asserted that such statements disrespect both the court and the investigative process.
Furthermore, they reminded the PM that every person is entitled to a fair and unbiased legal process, free from all interference under Malaysia’s criminal justice system. – March 1, 2024
Main photo credit: Bloomberg
