Daim case: MACC calls Tajudin Ramli, investigates MAS transaction - Report
Mac 14, 2024 15:06 MYT
KUALA LUMPUR: Business figure, Tan Sri Tajudin Ramli, was reportedly summoned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to assist in the investigation into the transaction of the Malaysian Airline System (MAS).
CNA reported that Tajudin, who is related to the former Finance Minister, Tun Daim Zainuddin, previously had an interest in controlling MAS.
The report said that the investigation was in relation to a controversial plan by the government in early 2000 to save the airline.
A MACC source told CNA that the agency is investigating whether there was an element of corruption in the transaction, which was actively promoted by Daim.
Daim is said to have convinced Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's government to pay Tajudin RM1.79 billion, or RM8 per share, for its controlling interest. At the time, the national carrier's shares were trading at around RM3 per share, which put the value of the businessman's equity holding at about RM718 million.
Tajudin, however, could not be reached for comment, CNA reported.
READ: Daim Asks To Be Prosecuted For Failing To Declare Assets, Including 25 Properties And 38 Companies
READ: Daim Zainuddin's Asset List
In addition to Tajudin, CNA reported, the MACC is also investigating several business dealings involving business tycoons Tan Sri Halim Saad and Tan Sri Robert Tan Hua Choon, who each have close ties to Daim.
However, Halim and Robert could not be reached for further comment, CNA reported.
Astro AWANI is seeking confirmation from MACC regarding this matter.
The investigation into Daim's financial holdings began in May 2023 and he was accused on January 29 of failing to comply with MACC's notice to declare assets.
CNA in the same report also stated that Singaporean businessman who is also a well-known real estate developer in Malaysia, Datuk Seri Akbar Khan was investigated for alleged money laundering and corruption by the MACC.
The 83-year-old businessman who is the main shareholder of the luxury project developer BRDB Developments Sdn Bhd, was detained for questioning last week, reported CNA citing a source from a senior MACC official and a lawyer following the case meeting.
Meanwhile, MACC's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Division Director, Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin, when contacted by Astro AWANI, confirmed that a Singaporean businessman and real estate developer has been summoned to assist in the ongoing investigation against high-profile individuals in Malaysia.
The businessman has also been ordered to declare his assets and his family's financial holdings.
"I can confirm that more people are expected to be called for questioning in the near future in relation to this investigation," he said.
