Fair trial assured for Daim and wife, says prosecutor

The criminal court can conduct a fair trial of Daim Zainuddin and his wife Na'imah Abdul Khalid, the prosecution contended.

Deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin said the same judge would hold separate trials of the asset disclosure cases against the former finance minister and the accused's wife.

Wan Shaharuddin was responding to Daim's bid not to have Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi hear the case against the tycoon.

Azura is also the trial judge for the asset-disclosure case against Na'imah.

"This is not a joint trial as the cases would be heard separately.

"We cannot allow this application as it would imply the court cannot act fairly or distinguish between testimonies (of different witnesses against Daim and Na'imah).

"This application should be dismissed, and Daim's case continued before this court," Wan Shaharuddin submitted before Azura.

The prosecutor added that a fair trial is assured as Daim and Na'imah's cases are based on differing facts and circumstances.

Azura then set Aug 27 to decide whether to transfer Daim's case to another Sessions Court judge.

Out on bail

Daim and Na'imah are facing charges for alleged failure to abide by MACC notices for the couple to disclose their assets.

Daim, 85, was accused of failing to disclose assets encompassing 38 firms, 25 pieces of land and property, seven luxury vehicles, and two investment fund accounts.

Na'imah, 66, was accused of failing to disclose assets involving multiple lands, properties, and luxury vehicles.

The duo was charged separately before the Sessions Court between Jan 23 and 29 under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009.

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

Daim was released on RM280,000 bail, while Na'imah is out on RM250,000 bail.

Asset disclosure: Daim seeks MACC's report against him

Court allows Daim's wife to get passport temporarily for overseas trips

Aug 9 hearing for Daim's application to transfer asset declaration case

AG to object against Daim, family's bid to unfreeze accounts