KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- The Sessions Court here has acquitted and discharged the late Tun Daim Zainuddin from the charge of failing to comply with a notice by not declaring his assets, including several luxury vehicles, companies, and properties in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, and Kedah.
Judge Azura Alwi made the acquittal order after deputy public prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin told the court that the prosecution does not wish to proceed with the case against the former finance minister following his death last week.
“The court hereby orders that the late Tun Daim be acquitted and discharged.
“The court also extends its condolences to the family. May his soul be placed among the righteous,” the judge said.
Earlier, Wan Shaharuddin said Wan Ladin said that the prosecution, in accordance with Section 254 of the Criminal Procedure Code, has no intention of continuing the proceedings against Tun Daim and would leave it to the discretion of the court.
“We will not proceed with the case against Tun Daim as the accused has passed away, but we have received a letter from Messrs Raj & Sach, in which they object to the termination of these proceedings,” he said.
The former finance minister died on Nov 13 at the age of 86.
Meanwhile, Daim's counsel Datuk Dr Gurdial Singh Nijar said he received instruction for the case to continue as it was Tun Daim's dying wish to clear his name.
The lawyer said the charge should not be left hanging over his client's head and that Tun Daim should be given a full acquittal as he is no longer in position to exonerate himself.
Azura also ordered RM280,000 bail against Daim to be revoked and the money returned.
On Jan 29 this year, Tun Daim whose full name is Che Abdul Daim Zainuddin, pleaded not guilty to charges of failing to comply with a notice to declare his assets by deliberately giving a written statement under oath that did not comply with the terms of the notice dated Nov 8, 2023, sent to him by an officer of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) with the rank of Commissioner on Nov 14, 2023, to do so.
He was charged under Section 36(2) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, which carries a maximum prison sentence of five years and a fine of up to RM100,000 upon conviction.
-- BERNAMA
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