In Malaysia, Anwar’s reformist image at risk as Daim family sues over ‘Zionist’ claims

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is facing a fresh political test after the family of late former finance minister Daim Zainuddin sued his government over claims they were involved in a plot to topple the administration.The legal challenge is turning what began as a police investigation into a wider debate over whether Anwar’s reformist government is applying its principles consistently or selectively.Critics say the controversy risks complicating one of Anwar’s central claims since taking office in late 2022: that his administration represents a cleaner, more accountable break from the corruption scandals and elite impunity that scarred previous governments.Instead, the dispute opens a new line of attack from opponents and sceptics who argue the prime minister is now portraying overseas lobbying and media engagement as subversion, despite his own political camp having sought foreign support during his years in opposition.The lawsuit was filed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Friday by Daim’s widow, Naimah Abdul Khalid, two of their sons and two family lawyers.Naimah Abdul Khalid and one of her sons enter the MACC’s headquarters for questioning on January 10, 2024. Photo: The StarIt seeks a declaration that a police investigation into the alleged plot is unlawful, unconstitutional and tainted by bad faith, according to the family’s lawyers.