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MACC orders James Chai to contact investigators and return to Malaysia

Former aide to Rafizi Ramli urged to cooperate with probe into RM1.1 billion semiconductor collaboration with Arm Holdings

8:37 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – Chia Jin Shern, also known as James Chai, has been ordered by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to immediately contact the investigating officer and return to Malaysia to assist in the ongoing RM1.1 billion semiconductor collaboration with UK-based Arm Holdings investigation.

MACC informed in a statement today that the former aide to Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has yet to provide any response or make an attempt to come forward despite several attempts having been made by MACC investigating officers to contact him.

“If James Chai maintains the position that he has not committed any wrongdoing, the appropriate action is to come forward and cooperate with MACC investigating officers, rather than issuing various excuses in the mass media while avoiding direct engagement with the investigation process,” the statement said.

MACC also clarified that any explanation through public narratives and media statements cannot be accepted in the legal process of a case investigation.

“Therefore, the MACC urges James Chai to immediately contact investigating officers and inform them of his plans to return to Malaysia to assist in the ongoing investigation,” the statement added.

It has also urged James Chai to contact its investigating officers immediately to arrange his return to Malaysia to have his statement recorded, which includes Abdullah Sani A. Latib at +6018-286 8684; Mohd Hafidz Halim (+6017-504 6503); Ahmad Rizal Samat (+6013-433 4500); Farahani Fauzi (+6011-3343 5523); Mohamed Ali M. Ahamed Ali (+6017-300 3699).

The independent government body also stressed that it is the responsibility of every Malaysian citizen to cooperate and assist in an investigation if needed.

Earlier, MACC issued a Notice of Trace in an effort to locate Chai, as he was among the key individuals appointed by Rafizi to assist with his duties.

Later, Chai said in a statement that he neither influenced nor profited from the government’s RM1.1 billion semiconductor collaboration with Arm Holdings. – March 6, 2026

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