Daim's son allegedly questioned for hours by MACC without lawyer

Wira Dani Abdul Daim, the son of former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, was allegedly made to undergo hours of interrogation by the MACC yesterday without the presence of his lawyer.

According to his lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan, Wira was denied the right to legal representation despite repeated requests to the MACC officers present and was even allegedly threatened with immediate arrest if he insisted on it.

Rajesh said that Wira presented himself for questioning at the MACC headquarters about 9.30am in relation to the ongoing probe against the latter’s father.

“Despite repeated requests, Daim has never been informed what offence he is alleged to have committed.

“Thus far, the entire investigation has been one big fishing expedition by MACC interspersed periodically by unsupported accusations hurled upon Daim by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim from the political stage,” said Rajesh in a statement today.

He pointed out that under the law, every individual is entitled to legal representation, and to deny it is in breach of rights guaranteed under Article 5(3) of the Federal Constitution.

Rajesh said that the denial of legal representation rights and the purported threat of arrest that ensued were a high-handed and gross abuse of power by the MACC.

“The threat of arrest had no basis in law and was calculated to unlawfully intimidate Wira into surrendering his right to have his lawyer present.

“As a result of the arbitrary, arrogant and unlawful actions of MACC, Wira was forced to undergo hours of interrogation without the presence of his lawyer. This lawless conduct of the MACC cannot be tolerated,” said Rajesh.

Explanation needed

The lawyer further urged the anti-graft agency, the home minister and the government, to cease the “illegal practice” of denying citizens the right to legal advice.

“The tragic death of Teoh Beng Hock, who was also denied legal representation during questioning must never be forgotten.

“Meanwhile, we demand an explanation from the MACC and the home minister over this denial of the constitutional right to representation and assurance that Wira’s rights and safety will be protected.”

Malaysiakini has contacted MACC for comment.

On Jan 29, Daim claimed trial to the charge of failing to abide by a MACC notice to disclose his assets, encompassing 38 firms, 25 pieces of land and property, seven luxury vehicles, and two investment fund accounts.

He allegedly gave a sworn written statement that did not comply with the MACC notice under Section 36(1) of the MACC Act.

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

Daim was released on RM280,000 bail with one surety.

His wife Na’imah Abdul Khalid is also facing a similar criminal charge before the lower court.

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