MACC stands firm on move to forfeit Daim and family's undeclared assets
KAJANG: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) remains resolute in its move to forfeit a portion of assets belonging to the late former finance minister Tun Dr Daim Zainuddin and his family, which it claims were not lawfully declared.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the commission is also prepared to open more investigation papers as part of ongoing efforts to recover assets believed to be linked to unlawful enrichment.
He was responding to remarks by the lawyer representing Daim's widow and family, who described the move as "unreasonable" and "legally baseless".
"Whether or not it's justified is their view. They have every right to express their opinion.
"However, on our part, we will proceed with the actions we have planned in order to determine the rightful ownership of the assets, which we believe were obtained unlawfully," he told reporters after officiating the launch of Universiti Islam Selangor's (UIS) Integrity Policy here today.
Also present was UIS vice-chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Farid Ravi Abdullah.
Azam said the commission may increase the number of investigation papers, which currently stand at eight.
"The total value of assets traced by MACC so far is around RM2 billion, but they are broken down into separate components (for forfeiture). Each asset requires its own investigation paper.
"So far, only eight have been opened, but yes, more may follow," he said.
On May 22, Azam said that the commission was actively working to forfeit assets belonging to the former finance minister and his family.
He said that in addition to the RM2 billion in assets that have been frozen, MACC believes there are other undeclared properties located overseas.
These, he said, include assets held by family members and proxies of the late Daim, who was also a former senior Umno leader.
The move has drawn a response from lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan, representing Daim's widow, Toh Puan Na'imah Abdul Khalid, and their family, who criticised MACC's actions as baseless, indefensible and vindictive.
He said that since Daim had passed away, there were no pending charges against him in court, nor had he ever been convicted of any criminal offence.
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