PUTRAJAYA – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is proceeding with a forfeiture application today for Ilham Tower, owned by the late Tun Che Abdul Daim Zainuddin, better known as Tun Daim Zainuddin.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the forfeiture action concerning the building, located on Jalan Binjai in Kuala Lumpur, is being carried out at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Wednesday.
He said that MACC would file several related documents in relation to the forfeiture of Ilham Tower and other assets belonging to the late Tun Daim.
Azam clarified that MACC’s investigation team needed to prepare various facts to support the forfeiture filing for Ilham Tower.
He also confirmed that several other assets were expected to be subject to forfeiture applications in the near future.
“For the forfeiture of immovable property involving Ilham Tower, proceedings are underway through the Kuala Lumpur High Court.
“The civil forfeiture application without prosecution for Ilham Tower is being made under Section 56 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA 2001).
“However, this is not a straightforward matter, as the process involves numerous steps and the documentation related to Ilham Tower is also extensive,” he said during a press conference at MACC headquarters here on Wednesday.
Commenting further on the development regarding the late Tun Daim’s overseas assets, Azam said authorities in the United Kingdom (UK) have enforced a freezing order on assets belonging to the former finance minister.
According to Azam, the UK authorities has agreed to the application previously submitted by MACC concerning Tun Daim’s assets in that country.
He said MACC filed the application in court on June 5, covering all assets belonging to the former national leader, estimated to be worth RM700 million.
He added that some amendments were made to certain matters and duly communicated to the UK authorities.
According to him, UK authorities proceeded with the asset freeze based on MACC’s request.
“On Tuesday, UK authorities filed a restraining order and agreed to our (MACC’s) application.
“The defendant did file a challenge in this case, but it was made to request a court hearing on the case management,” he said.