PETALING JAYA: The anti-graft probe against him and his family is nothing short of a political witch-hunt due to the Prime Minister’s “animus” or hostility towards him, says Tun Daim Zainuddin (pic).
The former finance minister broke his silence yesterday on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigations against him and his family, in which a tower owned by them was seized on Dec 18.
Daim accused MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki of not informing him about the offences he had allegedly committed despite his repeated requests.
“As a former senior member of government, and out of respect for the investigative process, I have kept silent until now. However, (Prime Minister) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki have not shown the same respect for the process with their continuing uncalled-for comments and statements, leaving me with no choice but to respond in order to protect my reputation and good name.
“I deny categorically any corrupt act or wrongdoing of whatsoever nature by myself and my family. This investigation is nothing short of a political witch-hunt against us,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Last week, the MACC seized the Ilham Tower, a 60-storey building owned by Daim’s family, as part of its investigations.
In May this year, the MACC said it was gathering information on the alleged misappropriation of RM2.3bil by a former senior minister and businessman.Daim alleged that Azam had declined to reveal what he is being investigated for, and this made it difficult for him to defend himself.
“Yet, there has been an organised effort to discredit me by releasing misinformation and baseless insinuations against me,” said Daim, adding that the Prime Minister regards him as a political threat.
“Anwar’s latest tirade against me which stated, it is an open secret. Someone had reaped so much wealth, is a reckless and an unsubstantiated insinuation that I am guilty of some unspecified offences. This amply shows his animus against me.
“I have consulted my lawyers and will take the appropriate action in due course.”
Daim alleged that Azam had also made unprofessional comments against him which are inappropriate given the ongoing investigation.
“As head of the organisation, Azam must also be held responsible for a slew of ‘source’ news leaks on the purported investigation.
“The purpose of the leaks is clearly to justify their high-handed action against me and to paint myself as a corrupt person and offender,” he said.
Daim claimed that he has fully cooperated with the MACC and that his lawyers are in regular contact with the commission.
“As such, it is patently false for MACC ‘sources’ to claim that I have not made a proper disclosure of the financial details demanded by the MACC.
“I reiterate that all that was asked for in writing by the MACC was disclosed and in accordance with the law.
“I am deeply concerned about the fairness and integrity of our institutions. The institutions must be protected for the sake of the nation.
“It is in the highest public interest that the investigative and prosecution process is not tainted and subverted by bias, unfairness or political motives. This will affect every Malaysian.
“In remembering the oath of office they both swore to uphold, Anwar and Azam must respect the rule of law and due process and act accordingly,” said Daim.
