KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 8): Former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin has requested the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) to produce the report that had been filed against him, which led to his asset declaration case, to help in his defence.

Daim is seeking the report that initiated a criminal investigation and charges preferred against him, via the prosecution, as he claims this would ensure a fair trial of his asset declaration case.

In his affidavit affirmed last week, Daim also said that the complaint is relevant for the court to reach a fair and just decision upon the one charge that he is facing. He said that the complaint forms the basis of the charge he had claimed trial to.

He added in his affidavit that the report must be disclosed, as it may be favourable to his case and/or undermine the prosecution’s case. Daim said the report must be given in the interest of justice and fairness.

A report must be lodged with the MACC, before they can investigate a person or entity for corruption.

The application came up for mention on Thursday morning before Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi, where she had asked Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin about the existence of the report, to which the prosecutor replied in the affirmative.

Wan Shaharuddin also said that the prosecution did not intend to rely on the report during the trial, and that they would be objecting to this application when it is heard by the court.

Azura then set Aug 27 to hear the application by Daim, and objections from the prosecutors.

On Jan 29 this year, Daim, 85, had pleaded not guilty to one charge under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009, concerning an offence pertaining to disclosure of assets.

He was charged with not declaring one Amanah Saham bank account; seven vehicles including a Rolls-Royce, an Austin Morris Austin, and a Jaguar XJS HE; 38 companies; and 25 properties, some of which are linked to the companies he owns.

Among companies mentioned were Ibu Kota Developments Sdn Bhd, Maya Seni Holdings Sdn Bhd, Menara Ampang Sdn Bhd, Dream Cruiser Sdn Bhd, Landbelt Corporation Sdn Bhd, Avillion Bhd (KL:AVI), Avillion Hotel Group, Admiral Cove Development Sdn Bhd, and Avillion Hotels International Sdn Bhd, to name a few.

Some of the 25 properties are located in Ritchie Condo on Persiaran Ritchie, and Desa Kuda Lari in Kuala Lumpur, Avillion Port Dickson, Avillion Admiral Cove, and Admiral Marina and Leisure Club in Negeri Sembilan.