At a press conference at the court complex here, Daim claimed that Malaysia was currently under a government that “is abusing its powers, while betraying all the promises of reform”.

“A wolf in sheep’s clothing who cries reforms, but does the polar opposite.

“I am not too bothered about my fate now. Let Anwar throw everything at me, but I fear for the fate of my country,” he said.

Daim also said that integrity and good governance have gone out the window, claiming also that independent institutions such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Attorney-General’s Chambers, and Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) have been made “pliable tools to pursue political opponents”.

“The Sedition Act, Communication and Multimedia Act (CMA), and Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) are wantonly used against those who speak up and criticise the government or Anwar.

“Is this the new Malaysia that was promised?” he added.

He urged Malaysians to stand up against Anwar and his regime, saying that a government is accountable to its people, not the other way around.

Earlier today, Daim pleaded not guilty to a charge under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act 2009 of failing to comply with the terms of an asset declaration notice issued by MACC.

If convicted, he faces a jail term of up to five years and a fine of not more than RM100,000.

Last week, Daim’s wife Naimah Khalid pleaded not guilty in the Kuala Lumpur sessions court to one count under the same law for allegedly failing to comply with the terms of an asset declaration notice from MACC.

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