Arm Holdings deal: Azam says two may be charged - is Rafizi among them?

 

Two individuals were identified for possible criminal charges over the government’s RM1.1 billion deal with semiconductor firm Arm Holdings, said MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki, declining to confirm if ex-economy minister Rafizi Ramli was one of them.

“It is up to the attorney-general to decide when the time comes,” he added when asked about the identity of the two.

Previously, Rafizi, who described the probe as a form of intimidation, said he expects to be charged, but promised an “interesting trial because many top national leaders will be called as witnesses: from the prime minister, to the deputy prime ministers, to ministers”.

Azam told a press conference at the MACC’s headquarters in Putrajaya today that the investigation is almost completed after questioning 22 witnesses, including Rafizi and his former aide James Chai.

As for Rafizi, who would arrive at MACC’s headquarters within hours after Azam’s press conference for a third day of questioning over the deal, the chief commissioner said they hoped to finish recording the Pandan MP’s statement this evening.

The anti-graft agency is also calling two more witnesses before wrapping up the investigation - one in Taiwan and another in Malaysia.

Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli

Azam reiterated that his officers are looking for elements of criminality in the investigation, particularly abuse of power, fraud, and criminal breach of trust.

The investigation followed complaints from several NGOs alleging that the agreement with the British firm to develop a “made in Malaysia” chip was hastily arranged and biased, and could potentially cause financial implications to the government.

The MACC had already questioned Chai for three days since April 28, with each day’s session lasting between six and 11 hours.

Rafizi’s own questioning over the last two days lasted about nine hours each time.

‘Strange’

When met by reporters, Rafizi said he found it strange that the MACC had already decided on the case while the investigation was still ongoing.

He pointed to Azam's statement that investigators have two more witnesses to be interviewed.

"As someone who still has to appear at the MACC to give a statement, such a statement came across as weird to me.

"Because somehow, as the investigation is still ongoing, Azam could announce that MACC is recommending prosecution.

"This sounds like a decision has already been made even before the probe is completed," Rafizi said.

The former minister also did not rule out the possibility of summoning Azam to testify in court over his statement today, should he be charged. -  Mkini