MACC hands names to AGC for prosecution over Arm deal
PUTRAJAYA: After recording statements from 22 witnesses, including former Economics Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, graft busters will recommend that two people be charged over a RM1.1bil semiconductor invest-ment deal involving the ministry.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has been investigating allegations of abuse of power and misappropriation in the deal between the ministry and UK-based Arm Holdings.
Pressed on whether the two were analyst James Chai and Rafizi, he refused to comment.
“I am not going to mention any names. Whoever wants to speculate, that is up to them,” said MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
Azam told a press conference yesterday that investigation papers are nearly completed and are expected to be submitted to the deputy public prosecutor soon.
“It will then be up to the AG’s Chambers to decide whether there is a case to prosecute,” he said.
“Investigations are almost at the final stage. There are only two more witnesses we need to record statements from; one is in Taiwan and another is in the country,” he said.
Azam said the probe was being conducted under Section 23 of the MACC Act for abuse of power, Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, and Section 409 of the Penal Code for criminal breach of trust.
“At this stage, we have identified two individuals whom we will propose to be charged in court.
“I am not saying they will definitely be charged. Investigators can recommend charges if the evidence fulfils the elements of the law, but the final decision rests with the Attorney General,” he said.
In March last year, Malaysia signed a 10-year, US$250mil (about RM1.1bil) deal with Arm Holdings to license advanced chip design technology.
It was planned to take the country to the front-end of the supply chain by developing its own chip designing capabilities.
