In a punchy first public statement since the seizure of his tower, Daim “categorically” denied “any corrupt act or wrongdoing of whatsoever nature” by him or his family and instead accused Anwar of abusing his power to drive an investigation against a political rival.
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‘Insulting’: furore in Malaysia over PM Anwar’s use of racial slur in speech
Daim accused the prime minister of being in cahoots with MACC chief Azam Baki in “an organised effort to discredit” him by releasing misinformation and baseless insinuations to the media.
It is “highly inappropriate and an abuse of power for a prime minister to interfere or influence an ongoing investigation by making blatant public insinuations of guilt,” Daim said.
The former minister said the corruption chief Azam Baki had declined to reveal the exact offence he is accused of, leaving him in the dark over the nature of the investigation.
He added that he had kept silent out of respect for the investigation but felt compelled to speak up accusing the prime minister and MACC of failing to show the same respect for due process.
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The legacy of Malaysia’s 1MDB scandal on politics and corruption-fighting
The legacy of Malaysia’s 1MDB scandal on politics and corruption-fighting
“[I have] no choice but to respond to protect my reputation and good name,” he said.
Little has been revealed of the seizure, aside from the MACC chief confirming it is related to Daim’s wealth, and that it was done under Section 38 of the MACC Act.
The section stipulates that such property can be seized after the public prosecutor is satisfied with information by the MACC that it is the subject matter of a corruption offence.
Last Friday, Anwar told the press that criminal elements are behind Daim’s “extraordinary wealth”, describing it as “an open secret”.
“Stop making interpretations that there must be a conspiracy whenever we ‘touch’ an influential person,” Anwar said.
“We are not representing a broken system, and our system must show examples of taking brave action against the corrupt.”
But critics say he is merely settling old political scores.
On Wednesday, Mahathir took a jab at the investigation on X, saying he completely agrees that senior statesmen should be investigated over their wealth and their property should be seized if they cannot explain how they acquired it.
“It is not necessary to obtain documentary evidence of their misdeeds. Suspicions alone should be enough,” said Mahathir in a sarcastic remark.
Anwar’s animosity towards his predecessor has been well documented with him telling the press in July 2022 that Daim “would have sleepless nights” if he became prime minister.
“When I brought up the issue of the Pandora Papers where they squandered billions of dollars and he was named in it, he didn’t answer,” Anwar said, adding that Daim is “the last person” who wanted to see him as the prime minister.
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At the time Malaysia’s parliament refused a motion by Anwar – who was then the opposition leader – to debate on the matter.