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FORMER economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli said today that he has been formally summoned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to provide a statement in Putrajaya on Monday, 4 May at 10am.
This is part of an ongoing investigation into the government’s strategic collaboration with semiconductor firm ARM Holdings.
In a detailed public statement issued on Friday (May 1), he said the notice was received in the afternoon and relates to scrutiny of the ARM’s agreement, which has been the subject of political debate since earlier this year.
“At 3pm today, 1 May 2026, I received a notice from the MACC to appear and give a statement at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on Monday, 4 May at 10am,” he said.
He confirmed the probe relates specifically to the government’s partnership with ARM Holdings.
“This is in relation to the MACC investigation into the government’s joint venture with global chip software giant ARM Holdings.”
Rafizi also suggested the investigation emerged following earlier political controversy, linking it to unrelated corruption allegations and public reporting earlier in the year.
“In February, a few days after I made comments following Bloomberg’s disclosure regarding shares linked to Tan Sri Azam Baki, there was suddenly a report to the MACC from Perkasa, an NGO that has never shown interest in corruption in this country.”
He said the complaint alleged that the ARM agreement had been rushed and detrimental to Malaysia’s interests.
“It was alleged that the agreement was made hastily and was detrimental to the country. When asked by the media, the Perkasa representative (then) declined to elaborate, saying he did not really understand it himself.”
Perkasa is a local pressure group that raised the concerns, while ARM Holdings is the foreign technology partner at the centre of Malaysia’s semiconductor development agreement.
He further claimed the case has become the MACC’s primary focus since February.
“Since February, this case has become the MACC’s main focus,” arguing, other high-profile corruption investigations had been sidelined as a result.
“It has overshadowed corporate mafia cases, allegations that (Human Resources) Minister Datuk Seri R Ramanan received RM9.5 million in bribes, the Victor Chin case, NexG and all the others.”
On the substance of the investigation, he said authorities are examining whether he influenced Cabinet decision-making in relation to the deal, while insisting no financial misconduct is involved.
“The case centres on whether I pressured the Cabinet to sign the agreement hastily. There is no financial motive. No money was involved,” Rafizi said on social media today, as he anticipates possible criminal charges following his appearance before investigators.
“I expect that after my statements are taken next week, I may be charged with breach of trust on the grounds of providing false information, or causing the Cabinet to sign in haste.”
Rafizi added that he is prepared for a protracted legal process. “God willing, I am prepared with my legal team.”
He said any resulting trial would likely involve senior government figures as witnesses.
“It will be a long and interesting trial, because many senior national leaders will be called as witnesses: from the Prime Minister, to the Deputy Prime Ministers, to ministers.”
He noted that the ARM partnership continues to be implemented and is still being promoted by the government as part of its technology strategy.
“The partnership with ARM continues to this day.”
He added that while investigations proceed, the government has been publicly presenting the initiative as a transformative step for Malaysia’s semiconductor ambitions, shifting from assembly-based production towards chip design.
He ended his statement with a pointed warning to political and public officials.
“This case is another reminder to politicians and civil servants in Malaysia: do not be like Rafizi—if you disagree with something, keep quiet. Otherwise, you will be taught a lesson through fabricated court charges.”
News reports cited that Rafizi’s involvement in the RM1.1 billion ARM Holdings initiative is strictly ministerial, relating to his position in government during the formulation and Cabinet approval of the semiconductor strategy with the foreign technology partner.
The agreement is a state-led programme aimed at upgrading Malaysia’s semiconductor capabilities rather than a private commercial deal.
While Rafizi has denied any financial interest, MACCis beloved to be examining whether there were any procedural issues or undue influence in the Cabinet’s approval process. - May 1, 2026
