KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Daim Zainuddin, a former finance minister, chose not to comment on the charge of failing to declare his assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), but he criticized the administration for not fulfilling its promises of reform.
He stated, “I don’t wish to say much about this political charge against me. I am not guilty, and I look forward to my day in court,” after claiming trial to the charge at the Sessions Court on Monday.
Initially, Daim tried to read out his statement in the court lobby, but his voice was too soft to be heard. His wife then requested the media to refer to the statement instead.
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In the statement, Daim, 85, mentioned that honesty, integrity, and good governance have been eroded. He criticized independent institutions like the MACC, Attorney-General’s Chambers, and Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) for being utilized as tools for pursuing political opponents.
He also expressed his concerns about the state of the country and mentioned that he had supported Pakatan Harapan and Anwar Ibrahim in 2018. He stated, “Like many others who wanted a new Malaysia, I had come out to support Pakatan Harapan and Anwar Ibrahim in 2018. Then, the nation was under the shadow of the 1MDB scandal. But now, we are under the shadow of an administration that is abusing its powers while betraying all the promises of reform – a wolf in sheep’s clothing that cries reforms but does the polar opposite.”
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He expressed his worries about the state of the country and said, “In my twilight years, I may no longer have the physical strength, but my convictions have not wavered. I am not too bothered about my fate now. Let (them) throw everything at me. I ask you, Malaysians, to do what you can to protect and to save this country. Do not hesitate or fear to stand… A government is accountable to its people, not the other way around.”
He concluded by urging the people to act to create the better Malaysia that was promised, saying, “As the saying goes, ‘For evil to triumph, it’s only necessary for good men to do nothing.’ You deserve the better Malaysia that was promised.”
