'Daim-obsessed' Anwar challenged to allow MACC investigate 'instant millionaires'

A prominent lawyer has accused Anwar Ibrahim of double standards after the prime minister defended the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) decision to prosecute only two individuals in the Sabah mining scandal, despite incriminating video evidence implicating many other ruling politicians.

Rafique Rashid contrasted Anwar's response to the zeal with which the late Daim Zainuddin and his family members have been targeted by MACC, includingrecent efforts by authorities to freeze foreign assets linked to the former finance minister who died in November last year.

"What about the obsession with the so-called hunt for illegally acquired assets of the late Daim abroad? Is that a strong case?

"The prime minister seems to be suffering from selective amnesia, and double standards," Rafique said.

Yesterday in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar, who is embroiled in controversy over alleged interference in MACC affairs, claimed that he had enquired about the mining scandal from the anti-graft agency.

"They only take up a case if it is substantive in facts and law for prosecution. If it's not substantive and it's just from the video, it can't (be charged in court)," he said.

Veiled reference to former aide

In a veiled reference to Anwar's former aide whose quick rise as a multi-millionaiire businessman has been cited as blatant cronyism practised by Putrajaya, Rafique urged the prime minister to allow MACC to launch similar investigations as it has done against Daim.

"Let MACC issue a notice under Section 36(1) of the MACC Act 2009 to all those who have suddenly become successful businessmen at a young age since Anwar has been prime minister.

"Or do you still need a strong case?" asked Rafique, referring to the offence of non-declaration of assets.

Months before his death last November, an ailing Daim became the target of attacks by Anwar, who accused him of amassing wealth illegally, a frequent claim by the prime minister against his political enemies.

An investigation into him by MACC quickly became embroiled in controversy following a damning report by Bloomberg that the probe was launched by Azam under pressure from Anwar.

Bloomberg had cited three informed sources as saying that Azam had told his officers that its investigations into Daim and former leader Dr Mahathir Mohamad were launched on Anwar's instructions.

A power abuse report against the prime minister lodged by Daim's widow Naimah Khalid was however quickly dismissed by police, who also refused to question Anwar.

Mining scandal

MACC brought charges against two assemblymen some three months after Azam's predecessor Latheefa Koya said she had obtained full and unedited version of a series of shocking video clips implicating Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and several assemblymen accepting bribes in return for mineral exploration licences.

Azam, whose tenure was extended for a third time in May this year, had earlier claimed the videos were "edited" and therefore not credible enough to be admitted as evidence.

The clips, first reported by news portal Malaysiakini late last year, were submitted to MACC as part of a report filed by lawyers on behalf of businessman Albert Tei, whose request for whistleblower protection was rejected by Anwar.