SHAH ALAM: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is seeking mutual legal assistance to obtain statements from several individuals in Taiwan and the United Kingdom (UK) to assist in the investigation into the RM1.1bil investment case.
MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said his party had contacted the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) to seek assistance as the investigation also involves the jurisdictions of the two countries.
He said the process was needed to enable statements and information from the individuals involved to be obtained legally in accordance with regulations and international law.
"This case may take some time in terms of investigation since it involves two different jurisdictions. We need to go through regulations, laws, and so on. So the investigation may take time," he said after a working visit to the Selangor MACC office here on Wednesday (May 20).
The working visit was Abd Halim’s first since assuming his duties as MACC chief commissioner on May 13.
He said that so far, MACC has recorded statements from 26 individuals, including Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and his former aide Chai Jin Shern.
Commenting further, Abd Halim said that documentation was being carried out for evidence and case materials, including documents submitted by Rafizi.
"We have received documents from him (Rafizi), and they are under analysis and consideration. We will also take into consideration that he sent them voluntarily," he added.
The MACC opened an investigation into the case on Feb 16 following complaints from several non-governmental organisations (NGOs), who claimed that the project involving a strategic cooperation agreement in the semiconductor industry between the Economy Ministry and UK company ARM Limited was made in a biased and rushed manner, which is expected to have financial repercussions on the government.
The case is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 as well as Sections 420 and 409 of the Penal Code for cheating and criminal breach of trust, respectively. – Bernama
