The seizure on Dec 21 of the Ilham Tower, which was built at the cost of US$580 million and located in a cluster of exclusive high-rise residential and commercial complexes around the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, came after Mr Daim snubbed repeated petitions from the MACC to officially declared his assets in an investigation that began in late May.
The ongoing probe has triggered widespread unease in Malaysia’s political and business circles that the crackdown on Mr Daim may be the beginning of a wider dragnet on corruption by the Anwar administration.
CNA is seeking comment from the Malaysian authorities in response to Mr Daim’s remarks. Here is the full statement from Mr Daim:
PRESS STATEMENT
I refer to statements issued by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the MACC Chief Commissioner Azam Baki on the purported investigation against myself and my family members.
I deny categorically 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.
Till today I have never been informed as to what offence I am alleged to have committed despite my repeated written queries to the MACC. I can reveal that we received a letter signed by Azam Baki himself declining point-blank to tell me what the offence is. Yet, there has been an organised effort to discredit me by releasing misinformation and baseless insinuations against me.
It is public knowledge that Anwar Ibrahim for reasons best known to him regards me as a political threat and foe who must be discredited. It would be futile and dishonest for him to deny this. It is also an irrefutable fact that under the MACC Act 2009, the Chief Commissioner is dependent upon the PM for appointment or extension of tenure.
Anwar’s latest tirade against me on 22.12.2023, “it is an open secret. Someone had reaped so much wealth“, is a reckless and an unsubstantiated insinuation that I am guilty of some unspecified offences. This amply shows his animus against me. It is also highly inappropriate and an abuse of power for a Prime Minister to interfere or influence an ongoing investigation by making blatant public insinuations of guilt. I have consulted my lawyers on this and will take the appropriate action in due course.
As regards the MACC Chief Azam Baki, it is unacceptable, unprofessional and suspicious that he has resorted to making various prejudicial comments against me in public whilst the investigation is still ongoing.
As head of the organisation Azam Baki must also be held responsible for a slew of “source” news leaks on the purported investigation. These so-called “sources” can only be coming from within the MACC as it purports to reveal details of the said investigation. The purpose of the leaks are clearly to justify their high-handed actions against me and to paint myself as a corrupt person and offender. Not being told of the offences against me, I am in no position to answer them or defend myself.
I have, since the beginning of this investigation, extended the fullest cooperation to the MACC and regularly communicated with them via my lawyers. As such it is patently false for the MACC “sources” to claim that I have not made a proper disclosure of the financial details demanded by MACC. I reiterate that all that was asked for in writing by the MACC was disclosed and in accordance with the law.
As a former senior member of government, and out of respect for the investigative process, I have kept silent until now. However, the Prime Minister and MACC have not shown the same respect for the process with their continuing uncalled-for comments and statements leaving me with no choice but to respond in order to protect my reputation and good name.
But it is not only that which concerns me. I am deeply concerned about the fairness and integrity of our institutions. The institutions must be protected for the sake of the nation. It is in the highest public interest that the investigative and prosecution process is not tainted and subverted by bias, unfairness, or political motives. This will affect every Malaysian.
In remembering the oath of office they both swore to uphold, Anwar Ibrahim and Azam Baki must respect the rule of law and due process and act accordingly.
Daim Zainuddin
Kuala Lumpur
28 December 2023