Menara Ilham Probe It S An Open Secret Says Pm

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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today urged the public to give the MACC time to conduct its investigations following the seizure of a property-related tycoon Daim Zainuddin.
Speaking to reporters after Friday prayers at Masjid Kota Damansara today, Anwar alluded that the investigations were related to someone who had amassed riches.
"Let (the authorities) investigate. It is an open secret. Someone had reaped so much wealth. Let there be a probe," he said.
Yesterday, Channel News Asia claimed that the seizure of Menara Ilham - a commercial building in the heart of Kuala Lumpur - took place after Daim refused to comply with the MACC's request to disclose financial information.
CNA claimed that the seizure was linked to an anti-money laundering probe which began in late May into a corporate transaction in 1997 related to the Renong Bhd and United Engineers Malaysia Bhd (UEM) deal.
However, the report, citing anonymous sources purportedly close to Daim, claimed that he had told the MACC that he was not involved in the Renong-UEM deal.
Meanwhile, Anwar said MACC's probe proved that the anti-graft body was independent and would investigate anyone regardless of their status.
"Every time (the MACC) touches anyone famous, (the government) is accused of a conspiracy. However, when it involves thousands of ordinary people, nothing is said.
"The MACC performs its duties not based on position. That's why I have said before, (regardless if you are a) Tun or a Tan Sri, (action can be taken).
"Or else, the public will say that only small fries get caught but not the head," said Anwar. - Mkini

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