Toh Puan Na’imah Abdul Khalid, wife of former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, has asserted that the corruption charges filed against her are part of a calculated scheme aimed at seeking political revenge and retribution against her family. She staunchly maintains her innocence, characterizing the allegations as concocted charges targeting political opponents and utilizing state power for personal vendettas.
Addressing the media after being charged at the sessions court, Na’imah expressed her belief that the actual crime lies in the manipulation of key national institutions, such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), as tools in a political vendetta. She denounced the vengeful pursuit of old political rivals with baseless charges while the nation faces economic stagnation and abandoned reforms.
"The real crime is vengefully pursuing old political rivals, who hold no power now, with baseless charges whilst the economy stagnates, reforms are abandoned and the country forlorn," she stated emphatically during the press conference.
Na’imah, aged 67, pleaded not guilty before sessions court judge Azura Alwi to a charge of failing to declare her assets to the MACC. The charge alleges that her written statement under oath did not comply with the notice terms served to her under Section 36(1)(b) of the MACC Act on December 13, 2023. The assets in question include companies Ilham Tower Sdn Bhd and Ilham Baru Sdn Bhd, luxury vehicles, and various properties.
Represented by lawyer Datuk Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden, former solicitor-general II, M. Puravalen, Cheah Kha Mun, and Alex Tan, Na’imah was granted bail of RM250,000, and her passport was ordered to be surrendered. The next case mention is scheduled for March 22.
Na’imah, in her defense, stressed that the charges are part of a coordinated plot and expressed her faith that she will be vindicated in the end. She also directed a message to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, reminding him that power is transient, and there will always be a reckoning for those who abuse it.
This legal development follows a notice issued to Daim Zainuddin and his family members by the MACC, compelling them to declare all assets within 30 days. Na’imah had previously addressed the sensationalist reports surrounding the family's wealth, emphasizing that their offshore assets were no secret.
Daim Zainuddin himself is under investigation by the MACC over revelations in the Pandora Papers, linking him and his proxies to offshore businesses worth at least US$31 million. His legal team, led by former attorney-general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas, has challenged the MACC's probe in the high court.
As Na’imah vows to fight the charges, the situation adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny of Daim Zainuddin's financial affairs and the complex interplay of politics and legal investigations in Malaysia.
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