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MACC admits existence of document sought by Daim, but says won't rely on it

The FIR is crucial to the former finance minister's defence in MACC case against him.

MalaysiaNow
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Daim Zainuddin seen here appearing in court on 29 Jan, 2024.
Daim Zainuddin seen here appearing in court on 29 Jan, 2024.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has admitted the existence of a detailed report on its investigation into Daim Zainuddin but has refused to produce it, despite the document being central to the former finance minister's defence against the charge against him.

MACC deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin today admitted the existence of the first information report (FIR) to Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi, but said the prosecution did not intend to rely on it.

The FIR is a written document prepared by investigators and contains details of the complaints and alleged offences under investigation.

Under Section 51A of the Criminal Procedure Code, MACC is required to produce the document.

"The (details of the) complaints are relevant to ensure a fair trial on the charge in accordance with my rights under Article 5 of the Federal Constitution," Daim said in an affidavit filed last month.

Daim Zainuddin, seen here presenting the national budget in the 1990s, is among former leaders targeted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration.
Daim Zainuddin, seen here presenting the national budget in the 1990s, is among former leaders targeted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration.

Daim, a former businessman turned finance minister, is widely credited alongside Dr Mahathir Mohamad for his role in overseeing Malaysia's economy recovery following the Asian financial crisis of the late nineties.

He is among former government leaders and personalities who have been targeted by Anwar Ibrahim since coming to power following the hung parliament after the 2022 general election.

Since launching a highly publicised investigation into him, MACC has frozen Daim's bank accounts as well as companies and properties linked to him.

This was followed by reports in pro-government media accusing Daim of hoarding his assets abroad.

Despite the allegations, Daim was only charged with the offence of failing to complete his assets declaration forms for MACC.