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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Rafizi to provide statement over RM1.1b probe PETALING JAYA: Former Economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli is scheduled to have his statement recorded by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today at its Putrajaya headquarters. The process is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged abuse of power involving a RM1.1 billion strategic collaboration between the government and UK-based ARM Holdings in the semiconductor sector. MACC senior director of investigations Datuk Mohd Hafaz Nazar said Rafizi has been instructed to appear at 10am to assist in the probe. “To date, 22 statements have been recorded, including from ministers and senior officials from several government agencies since investigations began on Feb 13, 2025,”he said in a statement on Saturday. He added that investigators had also recorded statements from political analyst and Rafizi’s former aide James Chai over three days. The case is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009, which relates to abuse of power involving public officials. In a separate statement, Rafizi confirmed receiving the MACC notice and said he will cooperate. He said the investigation centres on the government’s collaboration with ARM Holdings, which forms part of Malaysia’s semiconductor ambitions. Rafizi claimed the probe was initiated following a report lodged by Perkasa after he made public remarks linked to media reports on MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki’s shareholdings. He also suggested the case has been prioritised over other high-profile investigations. “Since February, this case has become MACC’s top priority, even overtaking other major cases,” he said, listing several ongoing corruption probes involving other public figures. Rafizi maintained that the matter does not involve financial gain. He added that he expects possible charges after giving his statement, potentially related to allegations of misleading the Cabinet or abuse of process. Rafizi said he has assembled a legal team and anticipates a prolonged court process that may involve testimony from senior government leaders, including the prime minister and Cabinet members. Meanwhile, a solidarity gathering is expected to take place outside the MACC headquarters ahead of his appearance. The ARM Holdings collaboration remains ongoing and has been highlighted by the government as part of efforts to move Malaysia up the semiconductor value chain from assembly to chip design.

Pandan engagements raise questions over PKR unity

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newdesk@thesundaily.com

o Increased visibility of Tengku Zafrul in Rafizi-linked seat fuels speculation on shift within party

general election within the next six to 12 months. Its machinery and narrative are being readied early. “This places PH in a defensive position, having to justify its continued cooperation with BN, while BN’s strategy appears more defined,” she said. Despite its advantages, Syaza cautioned that the approach could strain ties within the current governing arrangement. “The signal is clear that BN is prepared to go solo, with any coalition discussions likely to take place later, whether with PH or PN.” – by Harith Kamal still have their own base. While it may not be significant at the national level, they are well known among urban voters and could retain their seats, potentially at the expense of Pakatan Harapan. “That is why there is a push to field prominent figures such as Tengku Zafrul in urban constituencies,” she said. On voter perception, she added that Rafizi’s reputation as a policy-driven and data-oriented leader remains intact, albeit with limitations. “Rafizi is not a typical politician. He is capable and data-driven, and is often viewed as a reformist figure. “However, his appeal is still relatively limited and does not necessarily resonate beyond his core support base,” she said. Meanwhile, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said Rafizi’s departure from PKR appears increasingly likely. “One thing is certain – Rafizi will contest in GE16, but not under the PKR banner. That is the easier part to predict.” Azmi said the more complex issue lies in how PKR manages leaders aligned with Rafizi. “There are several MPs seen as aligned with him. The question is where they stand ahead of GE16 and whether they will still be fielded as PKR candidates,” he said. Despite the uncertainty, Azmi believes Pandan remains Rafizi’s strongest base. “He has performed well in Pandan. Even if Tengku Zafrul is fielded there, Rafizi’s best chance is to defend that seat. “Without the PKR banner, it would be difficult for him to contest elsewhere as he is closely associated with Pandan.” He added that grassroots dynamics could also complicate any move to field Tengku Zafrul in the constituency compared with Rafizi, who is more accustomed to engaging at the grassroots level.

PETALING JAYA: Growing signs of political manoeuvring in Pandan and uncertainty over Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s future are raising questions over PKR’s internal cohesion and its strategy ahead of the next general election. Recent engagements in the Pandan constituency by Senior Political Adviser to the Prime Minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, have fuelled speculation that he could be positioned for the urban seat long associated with Rafizi. While no official candidacy has been announced, analysts said such early visibility is unlikely to be coincidental. International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst and ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said the development points to deeper

within the party. The developments come as Rafizi has indicated he will only decide on his political direction by June, amid speculation over the possibility of forming or joining a new party. For Syaza, the implications are already apparent. “When Rafizi said that, it suggests he is no longer with PKR. Previously, he was seen as a dissenting voice within the party. But now, it points to a breakdown in trust that could lead to further fragmentation,” she said. Despite this, she cautioned against underestimating Rafizi’s political strength, particularly among urban voters. “I believe Rafizi and his allies

shifts within PKR, particularly in how the party manages loyalty and influence. “When it comes to Tengku Zafrul, it reflects a shift within PKR, although it is not entirely surprising. Malaysia’s political and party system has long been shaped by patronage. “Placing Tengku Zafrul in an urban seat under PKR can be seen as a reward for joining the party, but it may also be interpreted as sidelining Rafizi,” she said. She added that earlier speculation of Tengku Zafrul contesting in Ampang, a seat linked to Rafizi allies, underscores what she described as a consolidation of elite power

Rafizi, who is more accustomed to engaging at the grassroots level, may have an advantage as local dynamics could complicate any move to field Tengku Zafrul in the constituency. – SUNPIC

BN signal to go solo in GE16 seen as strategic repositioning PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional’s (BN) early signals that it is likely to contest the 16th general election (GE16) on its own is being read by analysts as both a political repositioning and a calculated bargaining strategy, even as questions linger over the stability of the Unity government. “I think it is both. BN understands that its supporters are not fully comfortable with cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) and vote transferability remains weak. parliamentary seats and will seek to minimise multi-cornered contests. Syaza said the selective seat strategy reflects both discipline and structural constraints. “BN is likely to adopt a more focused approach, but this is also due to its limited reach, especially in urban and mixed constituencies. Syaza downplayed the risk of an immediate rupture but acknowledged underlying strains. “I don’t see it as direct tension. It is more about BN reassuring its supporters that it has regained strength and is responsive to their concerns,” she said. However, she added that

“So, BN wants to convince its base that it can stand on its own. This strengthens its position in negotiations rather than being seen as a junior partner, given its smaller numbers compared with PH,” she said. According to an English daily, Ahmad Zahid on May 3 indicated BN is “almost certain” to contest GE16 independently, although the coalition is unlikely to field candidates in all 222

“lingering tensions” remain at the grassroots level, where trust between party machinery is still fragile. She added that BN’s early positioning suggests preparations are already under way for multiple electoral scenarios. “BN appears to be preparing for a

“Rather than spreading resources thinly, it makes sense to concentrate on winnable seats and leave others to PH. The challenge arises in constituencies where both BN and PH have similar chances,” she said. On whether BN’s stance signals friction within the Unity government,

International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst and ISEAS– Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said BN president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s remarks reflect a dual-track approach, balancing voter sentiment with internal coalition leverage.