28-12-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Former finance minister of Malaysia, Daim Zainuddin, who is currently under investigation for alleged corruption, has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Daim accused the Prime Minister of initiating a “political witch-hunt” against him and warned that he would take appropriate action in response.
In a media statement released on Thursday (Dec 28), Daim criticized the Chief of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Azam Baki, for his unprofessional conduct, including making prejudicial comments in public while the investigation is still ongoing and being responsible for leaking information about the investigation.
Daim claimed that these leaks were intended to justify the actions taken against him and portray him as a corrupt individual, adding that he had not been informed of the specific offenses against him and therefore, was unable to defend himself.
Breaking his silence, Daim stated that he was being targeted because Anwar sees him as a political threat that needs to be discredited. He further alleged that Anwar’s recent comments on December 22, insinuating his guilt, were baseless and inappropriate. Daim stated that he had consulted his lawyers and would take appropriate action in due course.
On December 22, the Prime Minister was quoted by local media saying, “It is an open secret. Someone had reaped so much wealth. Let there be a probe.” Anwar was referring to the seizure of the Ilham Tower a day earlier.
Daim refuted allegations that he had not fully cooperated with the MACC, claiming that he had been in communication with the agency through his lawyers since the beginning of the investigation. He expressed concern about the fairness and integrity of the country’s institutions and called on Anwar and Azam Baki to respect the rule of law and due process.
Daim, who is regarded as one of Malaysia’s wealthiest and most politically influential figures, has found himself at the center of an expanding investigation by the MACC. Last week, the agency seized the Ilham Tower, a prime commercial building in Kuala Lumpur owned by Daim’s family.
The ongoing probe has raised concerns in Malaysia’s political and business circles that it could be the start of a broader crackdown on corruption by the Anwar administration.
It is worth noting that the MACC investigations extend beyond Daim’s affairs. Other businessmen with close ties to Daim, including Halim Saad and Mirzan Mahathir, are also under investigation. Halim Saad, a former business nominee of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), and Mirzan Mahathir, the eldest son of former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, are both facing scrutiny from the MACC.
