The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is searching for a former special functions officer to ex-economy minister Rafizi Ramli to assist in an ongoing probe.
The agency identified the individual as Chai Jin Shern, also known as James Chai, and has appealed to the public to provide any information about his whereabouts. Those with information are urged to contact investigating officer Hafidz Abd Halim at 017-5046503.
“Chai Jin Shern’s last known address is 10, Jalan Nikel 7/26A, Seksyen 7, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor,” MACC stated.
Chai previously served as special functions officer to Rafizi during his tenure as economy minister and left the ministry following Rafizi’s resignation last May. He is a law graduate from the University of Oxford, an author, a visiting fellow at Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, and a columnist for CNA.
A MACC source revealed that the ministry’s secretary-general is among several witnesses the agency plans to summon in its investigation into a RM1.1 billion agreement between the Malaysian government and a foreign company. The source said the deal was allegedly pushed through hastily without approvals from the Finance Ministry and the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry.
The source also claimed that several individuals were appointed to senior positions in the foreign company after ending their government service.
Rafizi has previously accused MACC of conducting a politically motivated probe against him, asserting that the allegations relate to two major government initiatives—the Silicon Vision Programme and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). He stressed that both programmes underwent multiple layers of government scrutiny, including Cabinet approval.
The Silicon Vision Programme involves a partnership with UK-based semiconductor company ARM Holdings to develop Malaysia’s first semiconductor chips, while the NETR outlines the country’s energy transition targets up to 2050, with significant investments in the green industry.
