PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has proposed charging two individuals in connection with its investigation into the RM1.1bil semiconductor investment deal involving the Economy Ministry and a UK-based firm, says chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
Azam said the investigation papers are nearing completion and are expected to be submitted to the deputy public prosecutor soon.
"So far we have recorded statements from 22 witnesses, including political analyst James Chai and former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli.
"Investigations are almost at the final stage. At this point, there are only two more witnesses we need to record statements from, one is in Taiwan and another is in the country," he told a press conference on Wednesday (May 6).
Azam said the probe is being conducted under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 for abuse of power, Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and Section 409 of the Penal Code for criminal breach of trust.
"We expect the investigation papers to be submitted to the deputy public prosecutor in the near future. It will then be up to the Attorney General's Chambers to decide whether there is a case to prosecute," he said.
Azam said investigators had identified two individuals they would recommend for prosecution.
"At this stage, we have identified two individuals whom we will propose to be charged in court.
"But I am not saying they will definitely be charged. Investigators can recommend charges if the evidence fulfils the elements under the law, but the final decision rests with the Attorney General," he said.
Azam declined to reveal the identities of the individuals.
"I am not going to mention any names here. Whoever wants to speculate, that is up to them. We do not speculate on individuals. That is our ethics," he said.
When asked whether they were Chai and Rafizi, Azam again refused to comment.
Rafizi is expected to be questioned by MACC for a third day on Wednesday.
