Below is the full statement of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in response to former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin's statement on an ongoing investigation against him.
The MACC would like to correct the facts regarding the statement issued by Daim which has caused unnecessary confusion and misunderstanding over the investigation on his case.
First of all, the MACC has never at any point raised or issued any official statement accusing 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.
As part of the investigation, on June 7, 2023, a notice under Section 36(1)(a) of the MACC 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.
Daim had applied for five extensions and he was granted the extensions on July 6, 2023; Aug 10, 2023; Sept 11, 2023; Oct 11, 2023 and the last on Nov 14, 2023 to declare all his assets.
As part of the investigation process, the public prosecutor had issued a notice of seizure on Ilham Tower on Dec 18, 2023, under Section 38(1) of the MACC Act 2009 (Seizure of immovable property).
Daim is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC 2009, and Section 4(1) Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Act 2001 (AMLA).
However, based on the legal principle of “presumption of innocence”, anyone being investigated for any offences is innocent until proven guilty, and he has every opportunity to clear his name if the case is brought to the court of law.
It has to be reiterated that the MACC is an independent commission and act in an objective and professional manner according to stipulated laws and regulations, in addition to being monitored by five independent oversight bodies.
Therefore, the MACC urges all to restrain from speculating on the case and allow investigations to proceed without interference.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)
Putrajaya
Dec 30, 2023