Barely 24 hours after Anwar Ibrahim revealed that he has concrete evidence against former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, the anti-graft watchdog bares its fangs.

In a statement today, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said it would obtain the evidence with regard to Daim’s alleged abuse of power.

Yesterday, Anwar ( left ) said he possessed “solid evidence” against Daim, a claim which even garnered coverage in the Umno-linked TV3 and party-owned Utusan Malaysia.

 

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Mohd Shukri Abdull also revealed that the commission had already interviewed Daim, a close associate of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, "recently" over the allegations.

"MACC also welcomes anyone else who has proof regarding this case to work with us," he added.

The commission’s swift response and Umno media providing space for the opposition have set tongues wagging on the possibility of a civil war unraveling.

In the past, the opposition have always complained about MACC dragging its feet concerning reports on Umno and ruling politicians.

 

The MACC's involvement comes amid what appeared to be a concerted attack by the Umno-linked media against Daim, who like Mahathir, has been critical of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Several MACC reports were lodged by PKR against Daim previously, but these were ignored by the likes of TV3 and Utusan.

Daim himself had indicated his willingness to cooperate with the MACC and even said that he knows who is behind the attacks against him.

Veteran editor A Kadir Jasin (right ), who is close to Mahathir, had claimed that a businessman was now the propaganda chief for Najib and suggested that instructions for the attacks are coming from him.

Daim was previously probed by the Anti-Corruption Agency, MACC's previous avatar, in 1998, but the case was classified as "no further action".