KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has recognised Tun Daim Zainuddin’s contributions to the nation, following the former finance minister’s death earlier today.
In a brief statement posted on his social media pages, Anwar said the government recognises Daim’s contributions and services to the country, especially during his tenure as the finance minister from 1984 to 1991 and from 1999 to 2001.
“I received news of (Daim’s) passing as soon as I arrived in Lima, Peru. My condolences to his family,” Anwar added.
The prime minister is currently undertaking his first official visit to South America, which will feature a four-day visit to Peru where he is scheduled to attend the 31st Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting.
Anwar’s statement comes after Daim’s wife, Toh Puan Na’imah Abdul Khalid, had in January claimed that court charges against her are part of a “coordinated plot” to exact political revenge and retribution against her husband and their family.
Maintaining her innocence against a charge of failing to declare her assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Na’imah claimed that the “real crime” is targeting “political opponents with concocted charges” and wielding state power for personal ends”.
“The real crime is vengefully pursuing old political rivals, who hold no power now, with baseless charges whilst the economy stagnates, reforms are abandoned and the country forlorn,” she added.
Days after Na’imah had claimed trial in the sessions court here, Daim was slapped with a similar charge of failing to comply with an MACC notice to declare his assets, including 38 companies, 19 plots of land, six properties and seven luxury vehicles.
They were both charged under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009, which carries a penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of RM100,000 upon conviction.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has since said that the deputy public prosecutor will decide on the next course of action regarding Daim’s case following his death.
In September, Na’imah had lodged a police report, on behalf of Daim, urging authorities to investigate allegations of power abuse following a Bloomberg article claiming that MACC had received orders to probe Daim and his known ally, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Daim had been hospitalised at the Assunta Hospital after a stroke and was receiving treatment in ICU before his death, according to media reports citing his lawyer, Datuk Gurdial Singh Nijar. – November 13, 2024