Malaysia ex-finance minister charged over failure to declare assets

Malaysia's former finance minister Daim Zainuddin was charged by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on Monday with failing to disclose luxury cars, properties and other assets, part of a corruption crackdown triggered by revelations of tax evasion by the rich.

He served as finance minister twice between 1984 and 2001 and has close ties to a political rival of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. His wife was charged last week in a similar case. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bail.  If convicted, he faces up to five years in jail and a maximum fine of 100, 000Ringgit.