MACC pursues foreign assets linked to Daim

The Star

21 hours ago

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is seeking to seize and forfeit overseas assets worth RM3bil belonging to the late Tun Daim Zainuddin and his family.
The MACC said its Special Operations Division had uncovered offshore assets allegedly linked to the former finance minister, his wife Toh Puan Na'imah Khalid, their family members, and close associates.
These high-value assets are located in the United Kingdom, the United States, Switzerland, Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Jersey, Italy, Japan, Indonesia, and several countries in Africa.
The findings stem from the MACC's investigation in collaboration with the United Kingdom's National Crime Agency and the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC).
On June 3, the MACC obtained a restraining order from the Kuala Lumpur High Court under Section 53 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 for seven assets in the United Kingdom worth RM758mil.
It said a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) application is being processed with UK authorities via the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC).
Further discussions are also ongoing with the IACCC to ensure effective and proper enforcement action.
Applications for restraining orders have also been filed against assets in Singapore and Jersey.
The hearings for these applications, covering four bank accounts and investments worth RM1.15bil in Jersey, and 12 bank accounts and investments worth RM540mil in Singapore, were held at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on June 23 and 25.
'In addition, requests for further information regarding assets in the United States, Switzerland, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Italy, and Japan are being made through cooperation with Bank Negara, the IACCC, and MLA applications via the AGC. This is to facilitate legal and comprehensive action for asset seizure and forfeiture,' the commission said yesterday.
Domestically, the MACC seized Ilham Tower on June 5 and filed a forfeiture application at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on June 25 for the property located at Jalan Binjai, Kuala Lumpur.
The MACC also recorded statements from Na'imah and her son, Muhammed Amir Zainuddin Daim, on June 14 in relation to undeclared extraordinary assets.
A statement from the couple's second son, Muhammed Amin Zainuddin Daim, currently in the United Kingdom, was also taken.
All three are main shareholders of Ilham Baru Sdn Bhd, which is the majority shareholder of Ilham Tower Sdn Bhd and the beneficial owner of Ilham Tower.
'In line with Section 36(1) of the MACC Act 2009, Asset Declaration Notices were served on July 10 to 22 individuals identified as relatives and close associates of the late Tun Daim and Na'imah. This is for the purpose of identifying and confirming ownership of the assets,' the MACC said.
It emphasised that the action taken is part of its duty to ensure there is no element of corruption, embezzlement, or abuse of power in the management of the nation's wealth.
'The MACC remains committed to conducting its investigation independently, transparently, and in accordance with the law, without interference or political influence,' it added.