KUALA LUMPUR: Lawyers representing former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin have accused Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki for disregarding judicial instructions by persistently issuing statements concerning the former finance minister and his ongoing legal case.
Daim's legal team asserted that Azam Baki's remarks regarding Daim were not only sub judice but also prejudicial, as the presiding judge had cautioned against any further commentary on the case.
"The latest statement by Azam suggests that Daim is guilty of an offence and is clearly related to the charge of failure to disclose alleged assets. Hence, it is unwarranted and smacks of sub judice," they said.
Azam Baki's remarks, which included the possibility of summoning Daim for questioning over alleged undisclosed assets, were deemed inappropriate given the existing charges pending in court, according to Daim's lawyers.
They said that such statements insinuated guilt and violated the principle of sub judice. Additionally, they pointed out that leaks attributed to "sources" further exacerbated the situation.
They urged respect for due process and emphasised the importance of refraining from prejudicial statements that could undermine their client's right to a fair trial.
Former Attorney General Tan Sri Tommy Thomas is representing Daim in this legal battle.
Daim faces charges at the Sessions Court for allegedly failing to declare his assets, to which he has pleaded not guilty under Section 36(2) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act.
The investigation into Daim's affairs by the MACC stems from information disclosed in the Pandora Papers, originally exposed in 2021 by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.
Daim was among several prominent Malaysians implicated in the leaks, linking them to offshore tax havens.
Subsequent leaks have revealed further connections between Daim and his family to offshore entities and trusts, amounting to substantial sums.
Notably, Daim's sons were reportedly listed as owners of offshore firms while still minors, with holdings in properties worth millions of pounds in London.
