Putrajaya: Former aide to Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Chai Jin Shern or James Chai, will be recalled to continue giving his statement on the third day of investigations at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters tomorrow. MACC Investigation Division Senior Director Datuk Mohd Hafaz Nazar confirmed that James Chai, a political analyst, has been asked to appear at 10 am after the process of recording his statement today was concluded at 6.45 pm.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the MACC had earlier recorded the statement from him as a witness in the investigation involving a government-funded semiconductor project worth approximately RM1.1 billion. The witness arrived at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya at 10 am today to continue providing information and assisting in the investigation of the case.

The investigation into the semiconductor project was initiated on April 1, when the MACC gave James Chai a two-week period to come forward and assist in the investigation involving the semiconductor firm. Prior to that, on February 16, the MACC opened an investigation paper regarding an agreement between the Malaysian Government and a foreign company estimated to be worth RM1.1 billion.

According to sources, the investigation was initiated following complaints by several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which alleged that the agreement was made hastily and was one-sided, potentially leading to financial implications for the government. Additionally, the investigation is focusing on elements of conflict of interest, as several individuals are alleged to have been appointed to senior positions in the foreign company after leaving a ministry.