Malaysia’s anti-corruption agency is seeking to charge two unnamed individuals over a 1.1 billion ringgit (US$278 million) semiconductor deal with British chip designer Arm Holdings, as former economy minister Rafizi Ramli returned for a third day of questioning in the same probe.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said the investigation was nearing completion after officers recorded statements from 22 witnesses, including Rafizi and his former aide, political analyst James Chai.
Individuals linked to the deal – signed under the economy ministry last year and billed as part of Malaysia’s push to move up the semiconductor value chain – are being investigated for alleged abuse of power, cheating and criminal breach of trust.
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“We have identified two individuals whom we will propose [for them] to be charged in court,” MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki told reporters on Wednesday. “I am not saying they will definitely be charged. Investigators can recommend charges if the evidence suffices, but the final decision rests with the attorney general.”
However, Azam did not name anyone when pressed by reporters. He said: “Whoever wants to speculate, that is up to them. We do not.”
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Azam said investigation papers were near completion and expected to be sent to prosecutors “in the near future”, pending two remaining witnesses – one in Taiwan and one in Malaysia.