Hours after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) issued a notice stating it was tracking him for investigation, former aide to Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, James Chai, has broken his silence. In a statement to the media, James insisted he has not fled nor is he hiding like high-profile fugitive Low Teik Jho, countering narratives promoted by certain quarters.
James criticised the public remarks by MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, who announced that the agency was actively searching for him following an investigation into a RM1.1 billion deal between the Malaysian government and a foreign company. “The basis of this investigation is an allegation that my former boss, YB Rafizi Ramli, was involved in misappropriation and that the transaction I participated in was rushed and improper. MACC issued a public notice to locate me as if I were a fugitive, and Azam Baki held a media briefing portraying me as hiding. I am not,” James said on Wednesday. He added that the narrative appears designed to depict him as a “Jho Low 2.0,” painting him as complicit in alleged wrongdoing by Rafizi Ramli.
Media reports confirmed that MACC had summoned a former senior minister over the alleged RM1.11 billion semiconductor investment misappropriation, with 12 individuals, including the ex-minister, called in for questioning so far. The commission subsequently issued a notice to trace James to assist with the investigation.
James further clarified that during his tenure with Rafizi’s ministry, he never influenced the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Cabinet, or government machinery to approve the deal for personal gain. Following a collective resignation with Rafizi and colleagues on June 17 last year, the company had requested his temporary assistance. Initially, he declined but eventually agreed for a short-term transitional period. After two months, he resigned from the role to move on with his life.
James expressed disappointment over the public portrayal linking him to Jho Low, noting MACC did not attempt direct contact with him or close associates. “MACC issued a public search notice and the Chief Commissioner held a media briefing to ‘find’ me. They even showcased my childhood home, putting my family at unnecessary risk. The government has enough resources—they could have contacted me via WhatsApp, email, social media, or through colleagues,” he said. Currently based in the United Kingdom, working in AI risk and policy regulation, James said he remains committed to defending himself against what he views as unfair treatment. “I could have chosen another path, but I will never regret serving my country. Serving Malaysia is the greatest honour of my life, and no form of intimidation will change that,” he concluded.
