Tun Daim's daughter gets passport back permanently

The High Court in Kuala Lumpur has permitted Asnida, the eldest daughter of former Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, to permanently retrieve her passport. This decision comes after she had surrendered the document as part of her bail conditions in a case where she is accused of failing to declare assets.

Asnida had pleaded not guilty on April 8 to charges of failing to comply with a notice from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) dated November 8, 2023. The charges relate to her alleged failure to declare shareholdings in several companies, including Amiraz Sdn. Bhd., Arida Farms Sdn. Bhd., Kangkung Catering Sdn. Bhd., Transgrade Sdn. Bhd., and Gajah 3 Foods Sdn. Bhd.

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After hearing the arguments from both parties, the court finds no merit for the passport to be held by the court.

Initially, the court had granted Asnida bail amounting to RM50,000 with one surety, requiring her to surrender her passport to the court until the case concluded. However, Justice Nurulhuda Nur’aini Mohamad Nor granted the revision application, stating that there was no basis for the court to retain the passport. "After hearing the arguments from both parties, the court finds no merit for the passport to be held by the court," she said.

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The applicant also travels abroad constantly and has businesses there, a possible flight risk. Request the court to consider this case as it involves one of the late Tun Daim's children and touches on public interest.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Nidzuwan Abd Latip had objected to the application, arguing that Asnida posed a flight risk due to a previous failure to appear at the SPRM for a statement recording. He also noted her frequent international travel for business, suggesting a risk of absconding. "The applicant also travels abroad constantly and has businesses there, a possible flight risk," he argued.

However, Asnida's lawyer, Rajesh Nagarajan, contended that the passport surrender condition lacked sufficient grounds, as the prosecution failed to provide adequate justification or evidence. He asserted that his client had consistently cooperated with SPRM investigations and appeared for statements when requested. The court ultimately agreed, ordering the return of her passport within seven days.

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Throughout the investigation, my client has always cooperated with SPRM, including appearing to give statements when requested.