Former Malaysian Finance Minister Charged With Failing to Declare Assets

Author: Dian Kencana
January 29, 2024

Daim Zainuddin is seen in a wheelchair at the Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex on Jan 29, 2024. Photo: CNA

SEAToday.com, Kuala Lumpur-Former Malaysia Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuddin was charged on Monday (1/29), because he failed to declare his assets under the country's anti-corruption laws, amid a crackdown on graft involving prominent political and business figures.

These assets include several luxury vehicles and properties in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, and Kedah, as well as several luxury vehicles including a Rolls Royce, three Mercedes Benz and a Jaguar.

Previously, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, or The MACC, accused the former minister of failing to declare his assets by providing a false written statement. On November 8^th, 2023, Tun Daim deliberately omitted several assets when The MACC summoned him to provide an under-oath statement amid an anti-graft agency inquiry.

The sessions court judge, Azura Alwi, fixed bail at 280 thousand ringgit Malaysia or 59,136 US dollars in one surety, while not imposing any additional bail conditions in consideration of Tan Daim’s health situation.

Previously, Daim’s wife was also given similar charges last week for failing to declare her assets such as the multimillion-dollar Ilham Tower. Both of them claimed not guilty during the court hearing. (ALWI/ALVIN)