5-1-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has summoned four additional individuals to its headquarters in Putrajaya on Thursday (Jan 4) as part of the ongoing investigation against Tun Daim Zainuddin. The individuals were called to have their statements recorded under Section 30 of the MACC Act.
Lawyers representing the four individuals, Rajesh Nagarajan and Sachpreetraj Sohanpal, stated that their clients cooperated fully and promptly appeared at the MACC’s headquarters despite being given less than 24 hours’ notice. However, the legal representatives criticized the MACC for its alleged oppressive and high-handed approach during the proceedings.
According to the lawyers, one of them was present with their client in the interview room when MACC officers instructed them to leave. They expressed concern over being prevented from representing and advising their clients, emphasizing that the right to legal representation during questioning by enforcement bodies is fundamental to the criminal justice system.
The lawyers called on MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the matter, emphasizing its significance in the public interest.
In a previous statement on June 9, 2023, MACC Deputy Director (Legal and Prosecution Division) Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin explained that the MACC Act 2009 does not specifically grant the right to legal representation during the recording of a statement. While the act allows an accused person to have a legal practitioner present during an examination under oath, it does not explicitly extend the right to legal representation during other forms of interrogation or questioning, as reported by Wan Shaharuddin.
Tun Daim Zainuddin had previously criticized the MACC for what he deemed a “witch-hunt” in its investigations into him and his family. In a statement released on December 30, the MACC clarified that their investigation into Daim was conducted in accordance with existing laws and information obtained from the Pandora Papers.
