Malaysian ex-minister Daim Zainuddin’s wife charged for failure to declare assets as graft-busters encircle Anwar’s rivals

Prosecutors told a Kuala Lumpur court that Naimah Abdul Khalid had failed to comply with a November 8 notice issued by the MACC requiring that she disclose her assets.

Naimah, 65, pleaded not guilty. The court released her on 250,000 ringgit (US$52,800) bail and seized her passport. If found guilty, she faces up to five years in jail and a fine of up to 100,000 ringgit (US$21,117).

Naimah’s defence counsel argued that she was not a flight risk and that she may need to accompany her husband for treatment overseas.

“She’s not going anywhere. She is here to stay and fight the case,” her lead counsel, Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden said.

Daim has reportedly been hospitalised since last week for an undisclosed medical condition.

In a brief statement outside the court, Naimah said the charge and the ongoing investigation were a coordinated plot to tarnish Daim’s reputation “and exact political revenge and retribution against him and our family”.

Naimah accused Anwar of using state powers to target his political opponents while corruption charges against his “political cronies” were dropped.

“Finally, I say this to you, Anwar Ibrahim, that power is brief and there is always a reckoning for those who abuse it,” she said after posting bail.

“I have faith I will be vindicated at the end of all this.”

Malaysian authorities earlier also ruled that there was no wrongdoing by MACC chief Azam Baki over his ownership of stakes in several public-listed companies.

Naimah’s charge comes a week after a separate court heard an application by Daim – a long-time close associate of Mahathir – and his family to challenge the MACC’s investigation into their wealth.

Former finance minister Daim, who has denied any wrongdoing, said the MACC’s actions were unlawful