KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Daim Zainuddin's eldest son Wira Dani was summoned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) yesterday over the ongoing investigation against his father.
Wira Dani's lawyer, Rajesh Nagarajan said his client presented himself at MACC's headquarters in Putrajaya at 9.30am to assist in investigations.
"However, despite having his lawyer present, Wira Dani was denied his right to legal representation," he said in a statement.
Rajesh said the denial of his client's right to legal advice and representation is in "flagrant breach" of Wira Dani's constitutional rights as guaranteed in Article 5(3) Federal Constitution.
He also claimed MACC officers threatened to arrest Wira Dani if he insisted on being accompanied by his lawyer, a move he described as "high-handed".
He called on the MACC Chief Commissioner, Home Minister and the government to "cease the illegal practice" of denying citizens the right to legal advice.
"The tragic death of Teoh Beng Hock, who was also denied legal representation during questioning must never be forgotten," he added.
Rajesh also claimed that the probe into Daim has been "one big fishing expedition" and that despite repeated requests, the former minister has never been informed of the offence he is alleged to have committed.
Daim, whose real name is Che Abdul Daim Zainuddin, was charged with failure to comply with a MACC notice to declare his assets such as one bank account, seven luxury vehicles, 38 companies and 25 properties at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on Dec 13, last year.
The offence falls under Section 36(2) of the Act which carries a maximum of five years imprisonment and a RM100,000 fine upon conviction.
His wife Toh Puan Na'imah Khalid was also charged under the same offence after she failed to comply with a MACC notice to declare her assets.
NST is reaching out to MACC for comment.