Bloomberg article vindicates us, Daim's wife says

Na’imah Abdul Khalid, the wife of former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, has contended that a Bloomberg report vindicates both of them.

After lodging a police report at the Petaling Jaya police station today, she claimed the international news media report showed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim abused power in the criminal prosecution against the couple.

“We are vindicated. What has been an open secret in this country has now been confirmed by a reputable international news agency.

“It is an open secret that Daim and I have been subjected to politically motivated investigations and trumped-up charges instigated by Anwar.

“Now, this has been independently established by Bloomberg’s meticulous investigative journalism,” she said in a statement.

Na’imah pointed out that in 2015, the Wall Street Journal’s exposé of the 1MDB kleptocracy became a turning point for the nation.

“Last week’s Bloomberg expose of abuse of power, conspiracy, and cover-up in the highest circles of government is another such turning point. It needs to be investigated,” she said.

Yesterday, Na’imah’s counsel, Rajesh Nagarajan, confirmed that she would lodge a police report over alleged abuse of power and conspiracy related to MACC’s investigation into her husband and herself.

Today, she said the couple seeks justice and criminal investigations into alleged abuse of power, conspiracy and criminal conduct by Anwar.

“Whatever Anwar tries to do, the truth cannot be buried. And the truth will be out.

“Anwar is in the habit of quoting great men and is fond of associating himself with (anti-colonial activist Mahatma) Gandhi. He would do well to heed the Mahatma’s warning to tyrants.

“Remember that all through history, there have been tyrants. And for a time, they seem invincible. But in the end, they always fall. Always,” Na’imah said.

Anwar’s ‘hand’

The Bloomberg article quoted anonymous sources claiming that Anwar had directed the agency to investigate Daim and former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad as well as his sons.

The Sept 26 article also quoted unnamed sources alleging that in March, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki had instructed his officials to avoid investigating Anwar’s former political secretary Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak’s stock purchases, purportedly at the behest of the prime minister.

In response, the Prime Minister’s Office strongly denied the claims.

The anti-graft body also dismissed the allegations, saying, “All enforcement action taken by the commission is done without fear or favour, with no interference from any party, and fair and without prejudice in all situations based on principles of the law.”

Asset declaration

Daim and Na’imah are facing charges in the criminal court 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 were 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 can 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.

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