Malaysia charges ex-Mahathir aide Daim Zainuddin with failure to declare assets
- The former finance minister and key ally of ex-PM Mahathir Mohamad was charged on Monday with failing to comply with a notice to declare his assets
- Daim and his family say there is nothing suspicious about their wealth and have accused Anwar of abusing his power to take down political rivals
The 86-year-old Daim, who arrived at court in a wheelchair, was charged with failing to disclose his fortune as required by the MACC. Prosecutors allege his undeclared assets span a collection of high-end cars, including a Rolls-Royce, as well as 38 companies and 25 properties or parcels of land.
The ex-minister under Mahathir’s government pleaded not guilty. In a statement, Daim asked Malaysians to “stand up against Anwar and his regime”, claiming that “honesty, integrity and good governance have gone out the window” as independent institutions are used to pursue political opponents.
“Anwar should know that all this is not without repercussions,” the statement said. Daim had initially tried to read his statement in front of the media outside the court but was unable to finish.
Daim faces up to five years jail and a maximum fine of 100,000 ringgit (US$21,100) if found guilty. He was released on bail of 280,000 ringgit. Prosecutors had asked the court to confiscate Daim’s passport but his lawyer M Puravalen argued against it.
“He’s not going to go anywhere,” he said, pointing at the accused’s wheelchair.