‘I’m Not Jho Low 2’: Rafizi’s Former Aide Rejects Misappropriation Claims and Questions MACC Investigation
James Chai says accusations tied to RM1.1 billion semiconductor collaboration are unfounded and politically driven
KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 — James Chai, a former special functions officer to ex-economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, has rejected allegations linking him to the misappropriation of funds connected to a RM1.1 billion government collaboration with British semiconductor company ARM Limited.
Chai issued a public statement after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) confirmed that it was searching for him as part of an investigation into the semiconductor agreement signed in 2025.
In his response, Chai firmly denied any involvement in financial misconduct and dismissed claims suggesting he played a central role in alleged abuse of power linked to the deal.
“I am not Jho Low 2.0,” he said, referring to the fugitive financier associated with the 1MDB financial scandal.
Chai argued that a narrative had emerged portraying Rafizi Ramli as having misappropriated RM1.1 billion through the ARM partnership, with himself allegedly acting as the facilitator behind the scheme.
However, he insisted that such claims lack credible evidence and described the accusations as politically motivated.
He also criticised the MACC’s decision to announce a public search for him and to hold a press conference about the investigation.
According to Chai, the move created the impression that he was deliberately avoiding authorities even though he had never been contacted directly by investigators.
He said that authorities had not attempted to reach him through email, telephone calls or social media channels before launching the public appeal.
Chai further expressed anger over the disclosure of his childhood home address, where his parents currently live.
He said the publication of the address exposed his family to unnecessary security risks.
“I cannot accept that my family has been placed in potential danger simply because of the way this investigation was handled,” he said.
Cabinet Approval Given Several Times
The MACC probe centres on a semiconductor collaboration agreement signed in March 2025 between the Malaysian government and ARM Limited.
Under the deal, Malaysia agreed to pay the company over a 10-year period in exchange for semiconductor chip design blueprints and the establishment of ARM’s first Southeast Asian office.
Chai explained that the collaboration originated from a meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and ARM executives in 2024.
He said the proposal was presented to the Cabinet and received approval on three separate occasions before the final agreement was concluded.
To clarify his involvement, Chai released an 11-point timeline outlining his role in the project.
He stated that his responsibilities were limited to preparing proposals, coordinating discussions with stakeholders and facilitating communication between relevant parties.
Chai stressed that he had no authority to influence the prime minister, Cabinet members or any government decision-making processes.
The investigation reportedly followed allegations circulating in an online campaign claiming the semiconductor deal had been rushed without sufficient oversight.
Chai also rejected social media claims portraying him as “Jho Low 2.0” and suggesting he had secured a future position at ARM Limited.
He described those allegations as baseless accusations spread by anonymous online accounts.
Chai further suggested that the campaign contained subtle racial undertones aimed at portraying him as a corrupt Chinese figure in order to influence public perception.
After resigning from government service, Chai said he briefly took on a two-month transitional role with ARM Limited to ensure continuity in the project.
He later stepped away from the role.
In his statement, Chai also shared details about his personal finances in an effort to counter claims that he had gained significant wealth from the project.
He said he maintains modest savings, carries credit card debt and drives a 2020 Proton Persona.
Chai insisted that financial gain was never his primary motivation for participating in the project.
Currently based in the United Kingdom where he works on artificial intelligence policy, Chai expressed gratitude to friends, family members and legal professionals who have supported him during the controversy.
He added that the issue goes beyond his personal situation.
“This is not just about coming after me personally,” he said.
“It is about targeting people like me — those who happen to fall on the wrong side of the government.”
The MACC has not yet issued an official response to Chai’s statement.
-wilayah.com.my
