Former finance minister Daim Zainuddin has claimed trial for failing to abide by a MACC’s notice to disclose his assets encompassing 38 firms, 25 pieces of land and property, seven luxury vehicles, and two investment fund accounts.

Daim, who was in a wheelchair, made the plea in a small voice when he was charged under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009 at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court this morning.

The tycoon was alleged to have committed the offence by giving a sworn written statement that did not comply with the MACC notice under Section 36(1)(a) of the same law.

Accused of committing the offence between Dec 13 and 14 last year, the 85-year-old may be jailed for up to five years and may be fined up to RM100,000.

Among the firms read out in court are Menara Ampang Sdn Bhd, Fortune Valley Sdn Bhd, Genius Field Sdn Bhd, Festive Place Sdn Bhd, Vast Access Sdn Bhd, and Reliance Shipping & Travel Agencies (Perak) Sdn Bhd.

The seven vehicles are three Mercedez Benz cars - 600 SEL, 450SEL, and 450 SLC - a Jaguar XJS HE, Rolls Royce 2 Axle Rigid Body, Austin Morris Austin, and a Ford Prefect.

Among the properties read out, 14 are in Kuala Lumpur, three in Pahang, three in Selangor, one in Kedah, three in Negeri Sembilan, and one in Perak.

Deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin urged for bail to be set between RM250,000 and RM500,000 in one surety, and for Daim to surrender his passport to the court as well as report to the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya once a month.

RM280k bail set

The prosecutor also sought for the court to advise Daim from issuing a public statement about the case, pending disposal of the matter.

However, defence counsel M Puravalen pleaded for Daim to be released on his cognisance, or for bail to be set at RM250,000.

The lawyer pointed out that Daim is not a flight risk as he is using a wheelchair and is beset by multiple medical conditions.

Puravalen said Daim had an eye removed due to a fungal infection, has medical-related hearing issues, and suffered minor strokes in the last few years.

“We seek for the court to consider that the accused has a medical certificate that states he is a kidney transplant patient who received treatment with immunosuppressants and antibiotics,” the lawyer added.

Judge Azura Alwi then set bail at RM280,000 in one surety and imposed no additional terms such as surrendering his passport and reporting to MACC headquarters.

The judge then advised parties not to issue any statements that may be sub judice to the ongoing criminal case and set March 22 for mention.

Besides Wan Shaharuddin, the prosecution team comprises DPPs Ahmad Feisal Mohd Azmi, Mohamed Fadhly Mohd Zamry, and Maziah Mohaide.

Daim was also represented by lawyers Nizamuddin Hamid, M Moganasundari, N Rajeshwaran, and Sachpreetraj Singh.

Former Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was seen in the public gallery of the Sessions Court when Daim was charged.

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