PUTRAJAYA, April 1 — The Malaysian Anti‑Corruption Commission (MACC) has offered to pay for political analyst James Chai’s flight back to Malaysia as part of its investigation into alleged misconduct tied to a government‑backed semiconductor project worth RM1.11 billion with UK‑based ARM Holdings.

MACC said the probe is “actively ongoing”, with statements already taken from 17 witnesses including Economy Ministry officers and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) officials. Key documents have also been secured, and another eight witnesses are expected to be called, some of them overseas.

Chai Jin Shern, better known as James Chai, has been identified as a required witness. A notice to locate him was issued on March 4, but his lawyers later claimed he could not attend due to travel costs and work commitments. MACC granted him an extension until March 31, yet he failed to respond.

In a fresh letter today, MACC gave him two weeks to appear and said it would bear the cost of his return flight.

The commission warned that if he continues to ignore its requests, despite being granted two extensions, it may seek international cooperation through Interpol or foreign enforcement agencies.

MACC stressed that all individuals called to assist investigations are obliged to cooperate. “If James Chai maintains that he has committed no wrongdoing, the appropriate course of action is to present himself to MACC to provide a statement, rather than issuing explanations in the public domain,” it said.

The commission reiterated that no one is above the law and pledged to conduct the investigation professionally, independently, and based on evidence.