30-12-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) revealed on Saturday (Dec 30) that the corruption investigation into Malaysia’s former finance minister, Daim Zainuddin, stemmed from information extracted from the Pandora Papers. Initiated in February, the probe gained attention after Daim accused Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of instigating a “political witch-hunt” a day earlier.
Daim also levelled criticism at MACC Chief Azam Baki, citing unprofessional conduct such as making “various prejudicial comments” in the public domain during ongoing investigations. The anti-graft agency responded on Saturday, stating that Daim’s comments had led to “confusion and misunderstanding among the general public.”
“First of all, the MACC has never, at any point, raised or issued any official statement accusing Daim of committing any offences,” clarified the agency, as reported by the Star. “In the case of Daim, the MACC opened an investigation paper in February 2023 based on information from the Pandora Papers.”
The Pandora Papers, a collection of leaked documents in 2021, exposed the undisclosed wealth of global leaders, billionaires, and celebrities who utilized offshore entities for acquiring assets like mansions, private jets, and stakes in companies.
In response to the leak, Daim asserted that his business dealings, as revealed in the Pandora Papers, were legitimate. He emphasized being a “successful and wealthy” businessman before entering politics, confirming full tax payments for his businesses and income. Last week, the seizure of the multi-million-dollar Ilham Tower, a prime commercial building owned by the Daim family, following his refusal to disclose financial holdings.
According to MACC, a notice requesting the declaration of all assets in Malaysia and abroad was issued to Daim on June 7. The agency noted that Daim sought and received extensions five times on July 6, August 10, September 11, October 11, and November 14.
While investigations are ongoing, MACC urged the public to refrain from speculating on the case. Emphasizing the legal principle of the “presumption of innocence,” the agency asserted that the person under investigation is innocent until proven guilty. MACC highlighted its independence as a commission operating professionally within established laws and regulations, monitored by five independent bodies.
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