Daim calls for multi-agency task force to investigate Anwar's alleged meddling in MACC

Former finance minister Daim Zainuddin has called for a task force to be set up to investigate a shocking news report accusing Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of intereference in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), where he is accused of scuttling a probe into his former aide as well instruct the anti-graft body to go after political enemies.

Lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan questioned the seriousness of the police in investigating the complaint filed by Daim's wife Naimah Khalid yesterday.

"The complaint is being investigated by an inspector at the Sentul police headquarters. But this is a complaint lodged in which we want the PM to be investigated. Can an inspector investigate a PM? It's highly unlikely," he told reporters after accompanying Naimah who was called to give a statement at the Sentul police headquarters.

Naimah had filed a report at the Petaling Jaya police headquarters yesterday, calling for Anwar to be investigated for abuse of power, citing a report carried by Bloomberg last week.

The financial news giant had quoted sources as saying that MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki had told his officers that investigations against Daim, former leader Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his children were launched on Anwar's instructions.

The report also claimed that Azam was instructed by Anwar not to investigate his former political secretary Farhash Wafa Salvador over the controversial purchase of shares in a company linked to the development of a new billion-ringgit immigration system.

The Prime Minister's Office and MACC have denied the claims.

Rajesh said the Bloomberg report contained "serious claims and serious allegations".

"It is imperative that a multi-agency task force be set up to investigate this matter. This report cannot be swept under the carpet. It must be investigated," he said.

He said the task force should include several enforcement bodies so that they would have the power to summon and question the prime minister.

"Can you see the prime minister being questioned by an inspector? I can't," he added.

'Will Anwar be called?'

Speaking to reporters, Naimah said she expected the police to also take a statement from her husband.

She said that the police had asked her a total of 20 questions.

"I asked (the police) when Anwar's statement will be taken. They replied that they are waiting for instruction," said Naimah, who said her police report yesterday was filed on behalf of her husband, who is currently in poor health.

She said the police had not yet informed her under which law her complaint was being investigated.

Meanwhile, Rajesh reminded that Bank Negara Malaysia had formed a multi-agency task force in 2015 following The Wall Street Journal's explosive report on the 1MDB scandal, which alleged that hundreds of millions of dollars linked to the troubled state firm had been deposited into the former leader's personal bank account.

"If Bank Negara was able to do it in 2015, I am sure the police will be able to do it in 2024," he added.

Daim and Naimah are facing charges of failing to comply with a request to declare their assets.

Yesterday, Naimah said they had been the target of a politically motivated investigation.

"Consumed by his unending political vendetta against Daim, Anwar has not hesitated to abuse the powers of his office to achieve his ends ever since he seized power through the notorious deal with corruption-tainted Zahid Hamidi," she said.

She said the Bloomberg report had vindicated them and confirmed what had been an "open secret" all along.

"We want a criminal investigation into abuse of power, conspiracy and criminal conduct by Anwar Ibrahim. This is a conspiracy to target political opponents by subverting the institutions of state and enforcement bodies, as is evident from the Bloomberg disclosures."