The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has identified assets worth over RM3 billion across 11 countries linked to the late Daim Zainuddin, his wife Na’imah Khalid, family members, and networks of associates.
In a statement today, the MACC said its Special Operations Division is focused on investigating and enforcing asset seizures and forfeitures involving these extraordinary holdings.
“The 11 countries include the United Kingdom, United States, Switzerland, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Jersey, Italy, Japan, Indonesia, and several African nations, with an estimated asset value exceeding RM3 billion,” the commission said.
The MACC added that the investigation is being conducted in strategic cooperation with various enforcement agencies in the UK, including the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC).
On 3 June, the Kuala Lumpur High Court granted a freeze order against seven fixed and liquid assets in the UK valued at approximately RM758 million under Section 53 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA).
An application for mutual legal assistance (MLA) has been submitted to UK authorities via the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), and discussions are ongoing with the IACCC to coordinate enforcement action systematically and effectively.
Freeze orders have also been filed for assets in Singapore and Jersey at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on 19 June, with hearings scheduled for 23 and 25 June.
“In Jersey, four bank and investment accounts worth RM1.15 billion are involved, while in Singapore, 12 bank and investment accounts worth RM540 million have been frozen,” the MACC said.
Requests for information regarding assets in the US, Switzerland, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Italy, and Japan are being processed through cooperation with Bank Negara Malaysia, the IACCC, and MLA applications via the AGC, to facilitate legal and comprehensive asset seizure and forfeiture.
Domestically, the MACC obtained an order on 4 June to seize Menara Ilham, which was enforced the following day. A forfeiture application without prosecution under Section 56 of AMLATFPUAA was filed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on 25 June.
The MACC also confirmed that it recorded statements on 14 June from Na’imah and her son, Amir Zainuddin Daim, regarding ownership of undeclared assets.
Statements will also be taken from Daim’s second son, Amin Zainuddin Daim, who is currently in the UK. The three are the main shareholders of Ilham Baru Sdn Bhd, which holds a majority stake in Ilham Tower Sdn Bhd, the identified beneficial owner of Menara Ilham.
In accordance with Section 36(1) of the MACC Act 2009, 22 individuals identified as close relatives or associates of Daim and Na’imah were served notices from yesterday to declare assets and confirm ownership.
The MACC stressed that all actions are part of its legal mandate to prevent corruption, embezzlement, and abuse of power in managing national wealth.
“The MACC remains committed to conducting investigations independently, transparently, and in accordance with the law, without political interference or influence,” it said.