Asnida Abdul Daim, the daughter of the late former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court today to a charge of failing to comply with an asset declaration notice from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
The 65-year-old made the plea after the charge was read out before judge Rosli Ahmad. She is accused of intentionally providing a written statement on oath that did not meet the requirements of a notice issued under Section 36(1)(b) of the MACC Act, which had been served to her on Nov 14, 2023.
Specific assets and companies involved
The charge sheet specifies that the undeclared assets involve shareholdings in five different companies. These entities are Amiraz Sdn Bhd, Arida Farms Sdn Bhd, Kangkung Catering Sdn Bhd, Transgrade Sdn Bhd, and Gajah3 Foods Sdn Bhd.
The alleged offence took place on Dec 13, 2023, at the MACC headquarters located in Putrajaya. This failure to comply with the anti-graft agency’s notice led to the current proceedings under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act.
Legal consequences and court orders
Under the law, a conviction for this offence carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to RM100,000. Following the plea, the court had to determine the terms for her release pending the next stage of the trial.
Judge Rosli Ahmad granted bail at RM50,000 with one surety. As part of the bail conditions, the court also ordered the accused to surrender her passport.
Prosecution and defense representation
The prosecution was led by deputy public prosecutor Mahadi Abdul Jumaat, while lawyers Gurdial Singh Nijar and Abraham Au represented the accused.
The court has fixed May 21 for the mention of the case. This legal development follows the passing of her father, the former finance minister, who died in 2024.
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