DAIM Zainuddin has denied any wrongdoing and called the investigation on him and family a “political witch hunt”.

He also accused Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of treating him as a “political threat and a foe who must be discredited”.

In a statement, the former finance minister said he was never informed of the offence he allegedly committed.

“I categorically deny any corrupt act or wrongdoing of whatever nature by myself or my family.

“This investigation is nothing short of a political witch hunt against us.

“Until today, I have never been informed as to what offence I am alleged to have committed despite my repeated written queries to the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission).

“I can reveal we received a letter signed by Azam Baki (MACC chief) himself declining point blank to tell me what the offence is. Yet, there has been an organised effort to discredit me by releasing misinformation and baseless insinuations against me,” Daim said.

Azam earlier this week said the recent seizure of Ilham Tower in Kuala Lumpur was linked to corruption and money-laundering allegations against Daim, who was the right hand man of Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Azam said the agency had made an application to the deputy public prosecutor (DPP) to seize the asset.

“That was what happened (in this case). It is under the DPP’s authority that we ordered the Land Office to put a caveat on the property,” he said.

It was earlier reported the MACC had seized Ilham Tower, a RM1.6 billion commercial building owned by Daim’s family.

Daim said it was public knowledge that Anwar considered him a political threat who must be discredited.

Daim said it would be futile and dishonest for the prime minister to deny this.

“It is also an irrefutable fact that under the MACC Act 2009, the chief commissioner is dependent upon the PM for appointment or extension of tenure.

“Anwar’s latest tirade against me 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 on this and will take the appropriate action in due course,” he said.

Daim also slammed Azam for acting unprofessionally by making various prejudicial comments publicly while the investigation was ongoing.

“As head of the organisation, Azam Baki must be held responsible for a slew of ‘source’ news leaks on the purported investigation.

“These so-called ‘sources’ can only be within the MACC as they purport to reveal details of the said investigation.

‘The purpose of the leaks are clearly to justify (the MACC’s) high-handed actions against me and to paint me as a corrupt person and offender. Not being told of the offences against me, I am in no position to answer them or defend myself,” Daim said.

Channel News Asia reported the seizure was affected after Daim refused to comply with requests from the MACC to disclose his and his family’s financial holdings.

The seizure was linked to a money laundering investigation that began in May into a 1997 corporate transaction worth RM2.3 billion between Renong Bhd and United Engineers Malaysia Bhd.

Utusan Malaysia reported the MACC was scrutinising other assets linked to Daim, including a hotel and an overseas banking institution overseas. – December 28, 2023.