Rafizi on MACC's radar over RM1.1b deal, calls it 'empire strikes back'

 

Drawing a parallel to the Star Wars saga, Rafizi Ramli, who disclosed that he is on MACC’s radar over a report alleging misappropriation involving an RM1.11 billion investment, likened the situation to an episode of "The Empire Strikes Back”.

In a sarcastic post on X last night, the unfazed former economy minister laughed off the allegation and challenged the authorities to leave no stone unturned.

Rafizi revealed that the report, lodged yesterday by a coalition of NGOs, pertained to Malaysia’s agreement with UK-based semiconductor design firm Arm Holdings to develop a “Made by Malaysia” chip.

"Apparently, @arm (Arm Holdings) bribed me. I didn’t even get lunch or souvenirs, let alone kickbacks. I'm still as broke as before," he said.

Rafizi noted that he is no stranger to being targeted by those in power, who often exploit government agencies to suppress dissenting voices.

“This has been happening since the 1MDB era,” he said, adding that while his detractors have power, he has Allah with him.

Entanglement with MACC, Azam

The report against Rafizi, who has been a thorn in the side of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, comes in the wake of his criticisms against MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki over a shares scandal exposed by Bloomberg and calling for his suspension.

This is not the first time the Pandan MP has been entangled with the MACC and Azam.

Azam Baki

In November 2022, a MACC report was lodged against him over his asset declaration, which revealed he owned 16.7 million shares in Invoke Solution, the company he founded.

The report prompted an MACC raid on Invoke’s offices.

Rafizi subsequently warned Azam that Pakatan Harapan would target the MACC chief once it returned to power.

However, after being appointed minister, Rafizi downplayed the warning, describing it as merely a “soundbite”.

Interestingly, Anwar’s official X account retweeted a post highlighting MACC’s comments on the report against Rafizi, drawing a comparison to Azam’s shares scandal.

The post read: “If Bloomberg can make a fuss over Azam Baki ‘playing’ shares worth RM1 million, surely it won’t turn a blind eye to one thousand million.”

Probing corruption, misappropriation, power abuse

Yesterday, Bernama quoted MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya, who did not mention Rafizi’s name, as stating that the commission will examine the entirety of the report, whether there are any elements of corruption, misappropriation, or abuse of power under the MACC Act 2009.

He added that follow-up actions, including scrutinising the documents and evidence submitted, will be conducted before further investigation proceeds, in line with the commission's commitment to integrity and transparency in its investigations.

The Bernama article also quoted a source as stating that the complainants suspect that the former senior minister and ministry officials at that time were involved in the matter.

“Furthermore, it is alleged that there are doubts regarding the negotiation and approval processes, which reportedly did not fully involve the relevant ministries and agencies, such as the Finance Ministry and the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry,” according to the source.

Additionally, it said the complainants reported several issues that could potentially create a perception of a conflict of interest. - Mkini