Former finance minister Daim Zainuddin and his wife, Naimah Khalid, have dismissed their team of lawyers who were handling their case in an investigation conducted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and subsequent prosecution.
According to sources, the legal team was let go due to a difference of opinion regarding the strategies to be employed in the couple's defense. Daim and Naimah, both qualified lawyers who had previously served in the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC), had initially hired Wong Kian Kheong's law firm as their solicitors.
The team was led by former solicitor-general Yusof Zainal Abiden, who is now practicing as a lawyer. Other lawyers retained were M Puravalen, Yunos Shariff, and Alex Tan. The team had been assembled approximately a month ago. Following the departure of their legal team, Daim and Naimah are expected to engage the services of a new law firm and lawyers to represent them in their case, as per the source.
Naimah appeared in court on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to a charge of failing to comply with a MACC notice that required the declaration of her assets. The accusation against her includes the alleged failure to disclose her ownership of companies, various parcels of land in different locations, as well as two vehicles. If found guilty, she could face a prison term of up to five years and a fine not exceeding RM100,000.
MACC recently summoned Naimah and her sons, Amir and Amin, to provide information about their family's assets. MACC chief Azam Baki announced that Daim is expected to face charges next week after being discharged from the hospital. However, the exact nature of the charges against the former finance minister has not been disclosed.
MACC initiated its investigation into Daim's affairs in February 2023 based on information obtained from the Pandora Papers leak, which implicated several prominent Malaysians in offshore tax havens. Daim and his family have submitted a court application for a judicial review to challenge the investigation, claiming it is unconstitutional.
Overall, Daim and Naimah's decision to part ways with their legal team reflects a divergence in legal strategies and highlights the complexity of their case. The ongoing investigation and impending charges against them have garnered significant attention, particularly considering Daim's previous position as finance minister. The legal developments, along with the judicial review application, indicate a contentious legal battle lies ahead for the couple.
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