MACC says Rafizi’s former aide James Chai has two weeks to appear in person to give his statement

Thursday 08 Oct 2026

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KUALA LUMPUR (April 1): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said James Chai Jin Shern, a former aide to Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, has been given another two more weeks to appear in person to assist in the UK-based Arm Holdings deal investigation.

If he fails to do so, the MACC in a statement said it may seek help from international authorities, including Interpol, to locate him and ensure his attendance. Chai has been identified as an individual required to assist with the inquiry into Arm Holdings plc.

“If James Chai maintains that he has committed no wrongdoing, the appropriate course of action is to present himself to the MACC to provide a statement, rather than issuing explanations in the public domain without appearing before the authorities," the commission said in the statement.

According to the MACC, it had earlier issued a notice to locate him on March 4, 2026. Chai’s lawyers responded stating that he could not attend due to travel costs and work commitments. An extension to March 31 for him to give his in-person statement was given, but he did not respond. The MACC said its latest letter requiring his attendance for questioning includes an offer to pay for his flight to Malaysia.

The MACC said that so far, 17 witnesses have been interviewed and key documents collected, with eight more witnesses, including some overseas, to be called in its investigations in the Arm deal.

The case involves a RM1.1 billion government deal with Arm, launched during Rafizi’s time as the economy minister to develop Malaysia’s semiconductor and graphics processing unit capabilities.

Chai has denied allegations of misappropriation or abuse of power before this, calling out the MACC for treating him like a fugitive.

Edited ByPresenna Nambiar

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