Daim-linked assets probe widens to 6 more countries
This brings the total number of countries associated with Daim's undisclosed assets to 11.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki told the New Straits Times"at least" RM4.5 billion in assets linked to the former finance minister had been traced in these countries, including RM758 million in the United Kingdom.
Besides the UK, the other countries are the United States, Switzerland, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Singapore, Jersey (a British Crown protectorate), Japan, Italy, Indonesia as well as an African country, he said.
Azam said the MACC probe had uncovered assets identified in the US that included condominiums, commercial buildings and bank accounts, while assets in Japan involved a chain of hotels.
"The assets identified in Italy involve real estate and shopping centres.
"We have also identified investment assets and bank accounts valued at more than RM540 million in Singapore as well as investment assets and bank accounts valued at over RM1.15 billion in Jersey."
Azam said mutual legal assistance (MLA) proceedings had been initiated under the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 2002 (MACMA 2002) for investigation purposes.
"Court applications will be made to obtain restraining orders on the assets.
"The MLA application process has begun. It is a complex international legal procedure."
Azam said MACC was cooperating and would continue to work closely with the authorities in the respective countries to coordinate details, comply with local laws and ensure that asset freezing orders could be enforced.
The NST previously reported that the graft busters were eyeing property and assets linked to Daim in several other countries.
They believe there were also other assets to be identified.
It was also reported that MACC would work with foreign authorities to get more information such as the source of funds and money trail analysis.
It was recently reported that authorities in the UK had agreed to impose a restraining order on assets and properties worth £132 million (RM700 million) belonging to Toh Puan Na'imah Abdul Khalid, Daim's widow.
UK authorities agreed to MACC's request to impose a restraining order on the assets.
MACC requested the assistance of authorities in the UK on June 26 after the graft busters sought to amend certain matters related to the restraining order in court.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Syndicate exploiting senior citizens for sham marriages may be active in other states
KOTA BARU: The Immigration Department does not rule out the possibility that a syndicate exploiting senior citizens for marriage arrangements with foreigners may also be operating in other states, in addition to Putrajaya. Director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the suspicion arose following arrests and seizures made during a special operation conducted in Putrajaya earlier this month. He said the case is currently being handled by the department's Intelligence and Special Operations Division at its headquarters. He added that state-level task forces have also been instructed to investigate the possibility of similar cases in their respective areas. "That's just what we have detected so far in Putrajaya. We are monitoring the situation closely, and special teams at the state level have been set up to investigate any suspicious couples who have applied under the foreign spouse category," he told the New Straits Times. The department recently busted a syndicate believed to be offering immigration-related services, including applications under the "foreign spouse of a Malaysian citizen" category and marriage registration services through the National Registration Department for unions between Malaysians and foreign nationals. Zakaria said investigations on the recent case are still ongoing, but he believes the problem may extend beyond Putrajaya. "I can't say which states are involved because I don't have that information. "But I believe this is not just an isolated case limited to one or two locations. "If there are members of the public with information, we welcome it. We will conduct a full investigation based on any leads provided," he said. Zakaria said the syndicate appears to target elderly citizens who are often neglected or left without financial support by their families. "In my view, many of these senior citizens are abandoned. They have children, but their children don't care for them. "So when a foreigner suddenly shows up, willing to take care of them and offer financial support, even if the foreigner is significantly younger, the senior citizen agrees to marry," he said. He explained that in many cases, the seniors are not required to do anything beyond agreeing to the marriage. In return, he added that they are given monthly allowances in the thousands of ringgit. "These foreigners only want to marry to obtain legal status. That's all. That's why we see these foreign nationals caring for these senior citizens as they need that legal status," he said. With that legal status, Zakaria added, the foreigners can remain in the country for extended periods and can open various types of businesses.
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
MACC pursues foreign assets linked to Daim
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.
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
‘Global unity through dialogue'
BEIJING: Dialogue and cooperation are crucial tools to address common challenges such as poverty, climate change and inequality in a world grappling with economic uncertainty and tensions, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. Calling for global unity, the MCA president said the spirit of exchange and mutual learning is facing new challenges amid rising protectionism, ideological divides and a worrying tendency towards isolationism. 'Some are tempted to see the diversity of civilisations not as a source of strength, but as a source of conflict. This is a dangerous path,' he said. Dr Wee was speaking at the forum on 'Inter-Civilisation Exchanges and Mutual Learning: Global Development and Prosperity,' part of the Ministerial Meeting of the Global Civilisations Dialogue held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse here yesterday. He emphasised that civilisation should not be a contest of dominance, but a journey of mutual learning. 'It is a journey of learning, where we share experiences, exchange knowledge and draw wisdom from one another to solve common challenges, be it poverty, climate change or global inequality,' he said. Also present was MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon. The forum was opened by Chinese Academy of Social Sciences vice-president Li Xuesong, followed by a keynote address from Hu Heping, executive deputy head of the CPC Central Committee's Publicity Department, and a speech from Andrey Chorbanov, chairman of Bulgaria's Education and Science Committee. Other speakers included Xinhua News Agency president Fu Hua, Bangladesh Cultural Affairs Ministry adviser Mostofa Farooki and CPC Central Committee Party School vice-president Li Wentang. Former Dewan Negara president and Star Media Group Bhd chairman Tan Sri Wong Foon Meng (pic) also participated, speaking at a separate forum. Dr Wee is on an official visit to China at the invitation of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee's Contemporary World Magazine. He is leading a delegation of 23 media representatives from 12 Asian and African countries under the theme 'Media Empowerment and Shared Prosperity'. The delegation is visiting key sites and companies to gain deeper insight into the historical foundations of Chinese civilisation as well as the major achievements and global opportunities arising from China's path to modernisation. Dr Wee noted that Malaysia, as a nation at the crossroads of Asia, embodies the value of cultural convergence, where diverse cultures, beliefs and ideas have come together to produce a rich civilisational tapestry. 'Our future lies not in turning inward but in engaging with the world,' he said. He highlighted Malaysia's commitment to modernisation through learning and adaptation, pointing to the Belt and Road Initiative as a successful example of international cooperation. 'Malaysia and China have shown the world how such collaboration can work,' he said. Dr Wee added that MCA is proud to have fostered these ties through the Belt and Road Centre, Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research, inter-party exchanges and academic cooperation via Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman. Dr Wee also expressed support for China's Global Civilisation Initiative, which promotes mutual respect and dialogue among nations. 'No civilisation, no matter how advanced, holds all the answers. But through humility and openness, we can find solutions that benefit humanity as a whole. 'We must choose dialogue over division, cooperation over confrontation, and mutual learning over suspicion,' he said, adding that the wisdom of the past shows that diversity is humanity's greatest strength. Meanwhile, in a parallel session, Wong addressed the topic 'Inter-Civilisation Exchanges and Mutual Learning: Cultural Inheritance and Innovation,' highlighting the need for cultures to evolve while staying rooted in their essence. He cited examples such as Malaysia's batik and China's ink painting, which are flourishing in the digital age. 'In Malaysia, traditional batik motifs are being revitalised through digital fashion platforms, while in China, centuries-old ink painting techniques have found new life through immersive digital exhibitions. 'These expressions give rich meaning to our cultural inheritance. Yet, as we evolve, so must our cultures. Innovation does not mean turning away from tradition,' he said. Highlighting the media's role, Wong said, 'The media plays a critical role in cultural inheritance and innovation. We are not just storytellers, we are connectors.' He added that Star Media Group has been using its platform to encourage dialogue and unity in Malaysia's diverse society. 'We live in a time of unprecedented challenges, geopolitical tensions, technological disruption and environmental crisis. 'In such times, dialogue among civilisations is not merely valuable; it is essential,' he said. He praised the Global Civilisation Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping as a timely framework for celebrating diversity and shared values. 'Peace, equality, justice and common prosperity are aspirations for all of humanity. 'Let us work together, not only to preserve our past but to leverage its essence to drive innovation and share its gifts with the world,' Wong said.
