Woman denies links to Daim, wants MACC asset declaration notices quashed

Former lawyer Josephine Premla Sivaretnam is challenging notices issued by MACC in February, March and April, claiming that they are illegal, irrational and tainted with procedural impropriety.

PETALING JAYA: A woman who denies any links to former finance minister Daim Zainuddin has filed an application in the Penang High Court to quash three asset declaration notices issued to her by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

Josephine Premla Sivaretnam, 69, said MACC’s notices were issued in February, March and April under Section 36(1)(b) of the MACC Act 2009.

However, the former lawyer said they were illegal, irrational and tainted with procedural impropriety.

She also wants a stay of all proceedings pursuant to the notices pending the disposal of her application.

Josephine Premla Sivaretnam.

In the application, filed last month and sighted by FMT, Josephine is seeking a court declaration that the three notices are null and void.

She named MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki and the anti-graft agency as respondents.

FMT understands that the attorney-general will oppose the leave application.

According to the court’s e-filing system, the application is scheduled to be heard online by Justice Anand Ponnudurai on Tuesday.

In an affidavit in support, Josephine said the notices claimed that Daim is believed to have abused his power while in office. They also claimed that, as his associate, she may be able to assist in the probe.

However, she denies being Daim’s nominee, employee or trustee, or someone who had managed his business affairs.

She also said the notices seek information on assets acquired between 1997 and today, and has requested an extension of time to comply as the details are “impossible to compile”.

Josephine said the notices should only cover the period after the present MACC Act came into force from Jan 1, 2009.

On Jan 29, Daim, 86, was charged at the sessions court in Kuala Lumpur for failing to comply with an MACC notice requiring a declaration of assets.

He is accused of failing to declare his ownership in 38 companies, 19 plots of land in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Kedah and Kuala Lumpur, as well as six properties.

Daim is also alleged to have failed to declare his ownership of Amanah Saham Nasional Bhd and Amanah Saham Nasional accounts as well as seven luxury vehicles.

Six days earlier, his wife, Naimah Khalid, was charged with failing to declare her ownership in various companies, several plots of land in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, as well as two vehicles.

Both pleaded not guilty to the charges, which carry a jail sentence of up to five years and a fine of not more than RM100,000 upon conviction.