KUALA LUMPUR - In a surprising turn of events, a Malaysian court has acquitted former Finance Minister Daim Zainuddin of all charges related to failing to declare his assets, merely a week after his death.

The Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court judge, Azura Alwi, officially made the order on November 20, following a statement from the prosecution indicating they would not pursue the case any further.

Daim's Last Wish

Daim, who passed away on November 13 at the age of 86 after suffering a stroke, had indicated during his illness that he wished to clear his name. His attorney, Gurdial Singh Nijar, emphasized that Daim's dying wish was to see the case resolved in court, as his family echoed this sentiment, pushing for the continuation of the legal proceedings despite the former minister's passing.

Family's Plea for Justice

His widow, Na’imah Abdul Khalid, passionately advocated for the case to be pursued, stating, “Daim looked forward to his day in court and had no doubt that he would be finally acquitted.” This heartfelt plea underscores the family’s desire for justice and vindication in the face of the serious allegations against him.

Daim Zainuddin's Political Legacy

Daim, whose full name is Che Abdul Daim Zainuddin, was a prominent figure in Malaysian politics and a close ally of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. He served as finance minister during two separate administrations, from 1984 to 1991 and again from 1999 to 2001, making a significant impact on the country's economic policies.

Corruption Investigations and Allegations

Earlier in 2023, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission launched an investigation into Daim and his wife, alleging he failed to declare extensive assets, including 38 companies, 25 properties across Malaysia, and a luxurious collection of vehicles, notably including a Rolls-Royce. The investigation was tied to broader disclosures from the Pandora Papers, which exposed offshore financial dealings of various global leaders.

Political Implications of the Acquittal

Adding to the intrigue, Daim had previously stated that he believed the investigation stemmed from political motivations. Meanwhile, he was charged with these allegations on January 29, 2024, maintaining his innocence throughout the process and securing bail due to health concerns.

What Next for Malaysia's Political Landscape?

This unprecedented acquittal leaves many questions unanswered and sparks speculation about the future implications for Malaysia's political landscape and the ongoing fight against corruption in the country. As the court extends its condolences to Daim's family, his legacy as a contentious yet influential figure in Malaysian politics continues to unfold. What will this mean for the investigations into other high-profile figures in Malaysia? Only time will tell.