Deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin informed the sessions court that the prosecution was withdrawing the charge under Section 36(2) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, following Daim’s death last week.

“We wish to extend our condolences,” Wan Shaharuddin said.

Daim claimed trial in January to a charge of failing to comply with the terms of an asset declaration notice issued by the anti-graft agency.

He was 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 was also alleged to have failed to declare his ownership of Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB) and Amanah Saham Nasional (ASN) accounts, as well as seven luxury vehicles.

The alleged offence was said to have taken place on Dec 13, 2023.

Judge Azura Alwi then granted an order discharging and acquitting Daim. She also extended the court’s condolences to his family.

Earlier today, lawyer Gurdial Singh Nijar told the court that the family wanted the charge against Daim to proceed despite his passing.

“He wanted to clear his name against this baseless charge,” he added.

Gurdial said if the prosecution wished to discontinue the charge, it must discharge and acquit Daim.

Wan Shaharuddin said it was not practical to proceed with a case against a deceased person.

“Who would pay the fine and serve the sentence (if he was found guilty)?” he added.

Meanwhile, the court fixed Jan 15 to hear an application by Naimah Khalid, Daim’s widow, to refer questions on the asset declaration charge she is facing to the High Court for determination.

Naimah is accused of failing to declare her ownership in various companies, several plots of land here and in Penang, and two vehicles.