KUALA LUMPUR (June 4): The seizure of property without adequate notice sets a dangerous precedent, the late Tun Daim Zainuddin's widow Toh Puan Na'imah Abdul Khalid Na'imah said on Wednesday.
"I was never notified of this action. I only became aware of the order through media reports. This is a shocking infringement of the most basic legal norms. It is unacceptable that this is happening in Malaysia. Seizure of property by the government without notice to the legal owner is a dangerous precedent," she said in a statement.
Na'imah said this in response to Tuesday's news reports that the High Court had granted the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) request to freeze £132 million (RM758.2 million) worth of assets in London, allegedly owned by her.
Na'imah said she only found out of the court order via news reports, and that she will be challenging the said order in court.
Na'imah also pointed out that the asset freeze comes despite the lack of an actual crime proven against her family.
High Court judge Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid granted the asset freeze order ex-parte (without the other party present), based on the MACC’s application, made under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activity Act 2001.
The targeted assets include two commercial buildings, five luxury residences and one bank account — totalling £132 million, which were all said to be acquired between 2013 and 2021.
The court order will be sent to UK authorities for enforcement.
Na’imah reiterated her claim that the legal action against her family is politically motivated, adding that she will "not bow down to bullies".
"Let there be no doubt that I will fight this politically-motivated, reckless, vindictive and lawless action through all legal means at my disposal," she said.
Both Na’imah and the late Daim had been charged separately in early 2024 with not abiding by a notice to declare their assets under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act. Daim was granted a discharge and acquittal following his demise in November 2024.
In May, MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki said the commission planned to seize over RM2 billion in undeclared foreign assets linked to the late Daim, his family and proxies.
Eight investigation papers were opened after new information from foreign sources showed that the assets were not declared during a 2023 probe, possibly breaching the MACC Act.
Azam said then that the investigation was expected to be completed within two months.