KUALA LUMPUR: Former Malaysia finance minister Daim Zainuddin was charged on Monday (Jan 29) with failing to comply with a notice to declare his assets under the country’s anti-corruption laws.
The key ally of ex-prime minister Mahathir Mohamad was charged following an investigation into his wealth by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
The assets are said to include several luxury vehicles – including a Rolls Royce, three Mercedes Benz and a Jaguar – as well as dozens of companies and several properties in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Perak and Kedah.
The 85-year-old, whose full name is Che Abdul Daim Zainuddin, was seated in a wheelchair placed next to the dock. He pleaded not guilty to the charge before Judge Azura Alwi.
“I understand the charge, pled not guilty and claim trial,” he said.
He is accused of failing to declare his assets by deliberately giving a written statement under oath that did not comply with the terms of an MACC notice dated Nov 8, 2023.
The offence was allegedly committed at the anti-graft agency headquarters in Putrajaya in December.
The charge provides a maximum prison sentence of five years and a fine of up to RM100,000, if convicted.
Daim’s wife, Na’imah Abdul Khalid, was given similar charges last week.
The 66-year-old was charged in the same sessions court for failing to declare assets, including the multimillion-dollar Ilham Tower.
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