The MACC’s probe into the Arm Holdings deal is nearly complete, with two final witness statements needed before submission.
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) probe into the government’s controversial Arm Holdings deal is nearing completion, with only two more witness statements left to be recorded, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said today.
He said the two remaining witnesses are one individual in Taiwan and another in Malaysia, and that the investigation paper is expected to be submitted to the deputy public prosecutor soon after the final statements are obtained.
Azam said the case is being investigated for alleged abuse of power, cheating and criminal breach of trust.
He said investigators have identified two individuals for possible prosecution, but stressed that any decision on charges rests with the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
“We have identified two individuals whom we may recommend to be charged in court.
“But that is subject to the Attorney-General’s Chambers to decide in due course,” he told reporters after presenting high-value artworks linked to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) asset recovery at MACC headquarters here today.
Azam said the commission’s investigators are examining potential criminal elements in the case and that the process will proceed as usual, with the probe findings to be evaluated by the deputy public prosecutor and the Attorney-General before any final decision is made.
He declined to name the individuals.
The investigation is understood to involve the government’s semiconductor agreement with UK-based chip designer Arm Holdings, which has come under scrutiny over its structure, value and approval process.
The investigation paper was opened on Feb 16 following complaints from several NGOs.
Former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who announced the deal on behalf of the government last year, was questioned by MACC earlier this week and is expected to resume having his statement recorded today (May 6).
His former aide, James Chai has also been called in to assist investigators.
The deal was announced in March last year, when Rafizi said the government would pay Arm Holdings US$250 million over 10 years for access to seven high-end chip design blueprints and training for 10,000 engineers as part of Malaysia’s push to move up the chip value chain.
The case is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009, with other possible offences also being examined.
