KUALA LUMPUR - Former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's administration delivered outside the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex today.
Citing technical difficulties with his microphone, Daim opted for a written statement instead of a live press conference.
In it, he addressed neither the corruption charges he faced nor the ongoing court proceedings.
His focus, instead, was a sharp critique of Anwar's leadership and alleged betrayal of reform promises.
"We supported Pakatan Harapan and Anwar in 2018 to address the 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) shadows.
"But today, we're under a new darkness – an administration abusing power and abandoning reform," Daim said.
He accused Anwar of hypocrisy, likening him to "a wolf in sheep's clothing" who appointed corruption-accused individuals to high office while independent institutions like the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Inland Revenue Board (IRB) became "tools for political vendettas."
"Is this the promised new Malaysia?
"Honesty, integrity, and good governance are all 'gone with the wind.'
"Independent institutions like the MACC, the Attorney General, and the IRB are easily manipulated in pursuing political enemies.
"Is this the promised new Malaysia? The Sedition Act, the Communications and Multimedia Act, and the Peaceful Assembly Act are used arbitrarily against those who speak out or criticise the government or Anwar, even ministers issue threats to send police cars to their homes," he said.
Despite facing his own legal battles, Daim's statement stressed his concern for Malaysia's future.
"A responsible government answers to its people, not the other way around," he said, urging the people to hold the government accountable.
At an advanced age and not as robust as before, Daim declared that his self-confidence remains unwavering.
"I don't care much about my fate; let Anwar throw everything at me.
"But I worry about the fate of my country. So, I urge you to do what you can to preserve and save this country.
"Do not be afraid to speak out against Anwar and his regime. A responsible government is accountable to its people, not the other way around," he added.