A FORMER policy officer has denied allegations of misappropriation after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) issued a search notice in connection with a government collaboration involving UK-based semiconductor firm Arm Limited.
Chai Jin Shern, also known as James Chai, who previously served as Special Functions (Policy) Officer to then-Minister of Economy Datuk Rafizi Ramli, rejected claims that he improperly benefited from the agreement and dismissed online allegations portraying him as “Jho Low 2.0.”
The MACC has reportedly launched an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of RM1.1 billion linked to the collaboration, with its chief, Tan Sri Azam Baki, holding a press conference stating that authorities were seeking to locate Chai.
In a statement today, Chai denied that he is evading authorities and criticised the decision to issue a public notice rather than contacting him directly.
Background to the Collaboration
According to Chai’s account, he was appointed to the Ministry of Economy on 15 February 2023 and played a coordinating role in the KL20 technology conference held on 22–23 April 2024.
The event aimed to position Malaysia among the world’s top startup ecosystems and featured international technology stakeholders, including representatives from Arm Limited.
“Following a meeting between senior government leaders — including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim — and Arm executives, I was tasked with exploring potential collaboration opportunities to support Malaysia’s semiconductor ambitions.”
“Between May 2024 and March 2025, I worked with multiple ministries and industry stakeholders to develop the proposal, which was presented to the Cabinet on three occasions.”
“The agreement was formally signed on 5 March 2025 at a public event attended by senior government officials and Arm Limited Chief Executive Officer Rene Haas,” he recalled.
Chai and other officers resigned from the Minister’s Office on 17 June 2025 following Rafizi Ramli’s departure from the Cabinet.
He acknowledged that he later undertook a two-month transitional role with Arm Limited after leaving government service, describing it as short-term assistance to help the company establish operations in Southeast Asia.
He denied that the subsequent engagement constituted a conflict of interest or evidence of misconduct.
Allegations and Response
The investigation centres on claims that the collaboration agreement was rushed and involved improper use of public funds. Chai maintains that any decision to proceed with the agreement was made at the Cabinet level and that he had no authority to approve or execute the deal.
“To suggest that I influenced the prime minister, Cabinet and the entire government machinery for personal gain is unfounded,” he said.
He added that he had no prior knowledge of Rafizi Ramli’s resignation at the time the agreement was finalised.
Personal Reflection
In his statement, Chai reflected on his past activism, including organising a student protest in the United Kingdom in 2015 in support of Anwar Ibrahim during the latter’s imprisonment.
He said he had long viewed public service as a personal calling and described joining the government as a sacrifice involving a significant pay cut.
Expressing frustration over the investigation, Chai said: “When the government is desperate and insecure, no one is safe from its radar. Today it is me, tomorrow it might be someone else.” – March 4, 2026
