Daim's daughter claims trial over asset disclosure charge

Asnida Abdul Daim, daughter of former minister Daim Zainuddin, has claimed trial at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court this morning, over a charge of failing to abide by a MACC notice to disclose her assets.

She 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) of the MACC Act 2009 on Dec 13, 2023.

According to the charge sheet, Asnida was served with the MACC notice on Nov 14 that year.

She pleaded not guilty to the charge, which carries a maximum five years’ jail and a fine of up to RM100,000, before judge Rosli Ahmad this morning.

The assets she allegedly did not disclose were her shares in five companies, namely Amiraz Sdn Bhd, Arida Farms Sdn Bhd, Kangkung Catering Sdn Bhd, Transgrade Sdn Bhd and Gajah3 Foods Sdn Bhd.

Bail set at RM50k

Deputy public prosecutor Mahadi Jumaat requested the court to consider imposing RM100,000 bail on the accused and to seize her passport.

Asnida’s lawyer, Gurdial Singh Nijar, argued that the requested amount was disproportionate, given that the maximum fine penalty under the charge is RM100,000.

“It is very important to note that (this charge) is a technical charge. The accused was asked to furnish the list of properties as part of (MACC’s) investigation and as a witness in assisting the investigation.

“She disclosed 16 properties, and for the five she did not disclose, she explained to MACC at that time that they related to dormant companies that were in the process of winding up; the companies were not active,” he told the court.

Gurdial’s co-counsel, Nizamuddin Abdul Hamid, detailed a chronology of events in submitting that the accused has been cooperating with MACC all this time, even when she was served notice to appear for questioning.

“There is no issue that the accused is a flight risk, as there were no orders that Asnida did not comply with, and I give the court my undertaking to provide this chronology of events to the court, if need be,” he said.

The judge then set bail at RM50,000, confiscated Asnida’s passport, and scheduled May 21 for case management.

Seeking public assistance

On Feb 27, MACC sought public assistance to locate Daim’s four children, including Asnida, Wira Dani, Amir, and Amin, to assist with their investigation.

In a statement yesterday, the graft buster said that Asnida appeared and cooperated, while Wira had informed MACC earlier regarding his absence.

MACC also noted the no-show by Amir and Amin.

Following this, the anti-graft agency said that it would collaborate with the Immigration Department to restrict and monitor the exit and entry movements and the passport status of the individuals involved.

MACC would also initiate a red notice through Interpol.

“The named individuals will also face legal action under Section 48(c) of the MACC Act 2009 for failing to comply with the Order to Attend Examination under Section 30(1)(a) of the same Act.

“MACC stresses that any failure to comply with the lawful instructions of this agency will not be tolerated, and enforcement action will be carried out without exception,” it said.

In 2024, MACC launched investigations into Daim and his wife, Na’imah Abdul Khalid, which led to, among others, the seizure of Ilham Tower, a high commercial-value building in Kuala Lumpur.

The veteran politician, known to be a close ally of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, passed away in November 2024.

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