THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today said its ongoing investigation against Tun Dr Daim Zainuddin is based on the law and on the existing acts on money laundering.In a statement today, the anti-graft body said that it would like to correct the facts raised in a statement issued by Daim who said he was the victim of political persecution.Besides, it said the agency did not accuse Daim of any offences in its statements and that it is conducting an investigation that demands the declaration of assets from the person.Based on the legal principle of “presumption of innocence”, anyone being investigated for any offence is innocent until proven guilty, according to the MACC. “He has every opportunity to clear his name if the case is brought to the court of law,” it noted.Therefore, MACC urged all to refrain from speculating on the case and allow investigations to proceed without interference.“We would like to correct the facts regarding the statement issued by Daim, which has 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 him (Daim) of committing any offences. In the case of Daim, the MACC opened an investigation paper in February 2023 based on information from the Pandora Papers.”Moreover, MACC added that as part of the investigation, on June 7, 2023, a notice under Section 36(1)(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (Act 694) was sent to Daim, requesting that a written and sworn statement be made by him to declare all his assets, whether inside or outside the country within 30 days from the date the notice was issued.However, Daim had applied for five extensions that were all granted on July 6, 2023; Aug 10, 2023; Sept 11, 2023; Oct 11, 2023; and Nov 14, 2023, to declare all his assets.The only action taken against Daim so far is the seizure of the Ilham Tower on Dec 18, 2023.“As part of the investigation process, the Public Prosecutor issued a Notice of Seizure on Ilham Tower on Dec 18, 2023, under Section 38(1), MACC Act 2009 (Seizure of Immovable Property),” MACC further added.The agency also clarified that 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). – Dec 30, 2023
Main photo credit: Bernama
