Ex-finance minister labels Malaysian graft probe 'a political witch hunt'
The Straits Times|December 29, 2023
A former finance minister has hit out at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) investigations of him and his family, saying that it is nothing short of a political witch hunt, due to the “animus” of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Ex-finance minister labels Malaysian graft probe 'a political witch hunt'

In a statement on Dec 28, Tun Daim Zainuddin broke his silence and said that, to date, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki had not informed him of the offence he had allegedly committed.

“As a former senior government member, and out of respect for the investigative process, I have kept silent until now.

“However, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki have not shown the same respect for the process with their continuing uncalled-for comments and statements, leaving me with no choice but to respond, in order to protect my reputation and good name.”

He added that he was referring to statements issued by Mr Anwar on the investigation.

“I deny categorically any corrupt act or wrongdoing of whatsoever nature by myself or my family. This investigation is nothing short of a political witch hunt against us.

“Till today, I have not been informed as to what offence I am alleged to have committed despite my repeated written queries to the MACC.”

Said Mr Daim: “I can reveal that we received a letter signed by Azam himself declining point-blank to tell me what the offence is. Yet, there has been an organised effort to discredit me by releasing misinformation and baseless insinuations against me.

This story is from the December 29, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.

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This story is from the December 29, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.

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