Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) announced the freezing of seven properties and one bank account belonging to the late Tun Daim Zainuddin's wife, Toh Puan Na'imah Abdul Khalid, as a measure to prevent asset disposal during ongoing investigations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that this move is part of the commission's preliminary actions to facilitate further investigation. He stated that a court application has been submitted for a prohibition order to freeze the overseas assets, highlighting the risk of these assets being disposed of if such an order is not obtained.
Media reports have revealed that among the frozen assets are three luxury homes in London, with the total value of the assets, including the bank account, amounting to £132 million (RM758.2 million). MACC investigations indicate that these assets are linked to alleged offences under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001.
The application to freeze the assets, represented by deputy public prosecutor Mahadi Abdul Jumaat, was granted by High Court Judge Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid in an ex parte proceeding. Former MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad clarified that the correct legal term is a prohibitory order rather than a freezing order. He explained that 'freezing' typically refers to actions under Section 44 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), which involves bank accounts and financial instruments, whereas this case involves a prohibitory order under Section 53 of AMLA concerning overseas assets.
Dzulkifli emphasized that the issuance of a prohibitory order does not imply the assets were obtained through corruption or illegal means. It is a temporary measure to maintain the status quo and prevent any transactions involving the specified assets during the investigation. He also noted that the High Court's order was issued through an ex parte application, meaning it was made without prior notice to the affected parties, who have not yet been given the opportunity to respond or challenge the application in court.