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MACC traces RM3 billion in assets linked to Daim across 11 countries

Seizure orders obtained in UK, Singapore, and Jersey as anti-graft body works with international agencies to investigate extraordinary wealth tied to former finance minister’s family and associates

7:55 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has identified assets worth over RM3 billion across 11 countries linked to the late Tun Daim Zainuddin, his wife Toh Puan Na’imah Khalid, family members, and their network of associates.

In a statement today, the commission said its Special Operations Division is leading investigations and enforcement efforts focused on the seizure and forfeiture of extraordinary assets.

“The 11 countries involved are the United Kingdom, United States, Switzerland, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Jersey, Italy, Japan, Indonesia, and several African nations, with assets estimated at over RM3 billion,” the MACC said, adding that the probe is being conducted in strategic cooperation with UK enforcement bodies including the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC).

On June 3, the commission obtained a freezing order from the Kuala Lumpur High Court against seven fixed and liquid assets in the UK, worth an estimated RM758 million, under Section 53 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001.

“A Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) application is currently being processed through the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), with ongoing coordination with the IACCC to ensure enforcement actions are systematic and effective,” the commission said.

In addition, the MACC filed applications to freeze assets in Singapore and Jersey at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on June 19, with hearings held on June 23 and 25.

“The assets involved include four bank and investment accounts in Jersey worth RM1.15 billion, and 12 accounts in Singapore valued at RM540 million,” it said.

The MACC also revealed that further information requests are being submitted regarding assets in the US, Switzerland, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Italy, and Japan.

These efforts are being coordinated with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the IACCC, and MLA applications through the AGC to facilitate legal and comprehensive asset seizure and forfeiture.

Domestically, the commission obtained a court order on June 4 to seize Menara Ilham, with enforcement carried out the following day.

On June 25, it filed a forfeiture application without prosecution under Section 56 of the AMLATFPUAA 2001.

Statements from Toh Puan Na’imah and her son Muhammed Amir Zainuddin Daim regarding undeclared extraordinary assets were recorded on June 14.

The MACC added that it would also record a statement from Daim’s second son, Muhammed Amin Zainuddin Daim, who is currently in the United Kingdom.

“All three are the main shareholders of Ilham Baru Sdn Bhd, the majority shareholder of Ilham Tower Sdn Bhd, identified as the beneficial owner of Menara Ilham,” the commission said.

In accordance with Section 36(1) of the MACC Act 2009, asset declaration notices were issued to 22 individuals identified as close relatives or associates of Daim and Na’imah, to identify and verify ownership of assets.

The MACC stressed that all actions taken are part of its core mandate to prevent corruption, embezzlement, and abuse of power in the management of national assets.

“The MACC is committed to conducting investigations independently, transparently, and in accordance with the law, without any political interference or interest,” the statement concluded. — July 11, 2025

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