SHAH ALAM, May 21 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is seeking mutual legal assistance to obtain statements from several individuals in Taiwan and the United Kingdom (UK) to assist in the investigation into the RM1.1 billion investment case.

MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said his party had contacted the Attorney General’s Chambers to seek assistance following the investigation which also involved the jurisdictions of the two countries involved.

He said the process was needed to enable statements and information from the individuals involved to be obtained legally in accordance with regulations and international law.

“This case may take some time in terms of investigation since it involves two different jurisdictions, we need to go through regulations, laws, and so on. So the investigation may take time,” he told Bernama after a working visit to the Selangor MACC office here today.

The visit was his first working visit since assuming his duties as MACC chief commissioner on May 13.

Abd Halim said that so far MACC has recorded statements from 26 individuals including Pandan Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and his former aide Chai Jin Shern.

Commenting further, he said that documentation for evidence materials for the case was being carried out, including documents submitted by Rafizi.

“We have received the documents from him and they are in our analysis and consideration. That also we will take into consideration, as he sent them voluntarily, we accept them and we will consider them,” he said.

The MACC opened an investigation paper into the case on Feb 16 following complaints from several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who claimed that the project agreement involving a strategic cooperation agreement in the semiconductor industry between the Ministry of Economy and the UK company ARM Limited was made in a hurry and in a biased manner, which is expected to have a financial impact on the government.

The case is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 as well as Sections 420 and 409 of the Penal Code. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, May 15 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will continue strengthening its strategic cooperation with the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), particularly in handling high-profile, large-scale and public interest cases.

Newly-appointed MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said such cases would continue to be referred to the AGC as the authority responsible for determining legal action on investigations conducted by the anti-graft agency.

“I will do my best to lead, reform and strengthen the MACC,” he said in a statement today following a courtesy visit to Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar yesterday.

The visit marked Abd Halim’s first official engagement since assuming office on May 13.

Meanwhile, Mohd Dusuki expressed appreciation for Abd Halim’s decision to make the AGC his first courtesy visit as the new MACC chief commissioner.

“The AGC and the MACC are inseparable. The cooperation between us will continue,” he said.

Also present were the head of the AGC’s Trial and Appeals Division, Datuk Seri Saiful Edris Zainuddin, and the head of the AGC’s Prosecution Division, Datuk Masri Mohd Daud. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, May 13 — Newly appointed Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman has vowed to intensify efforts to combat corruption, abuse of power and malfeasance, while pledging stronger enforcement, greater transparency and improved public trust in the agency.

Abd Halim said restoring public confidence in the MACC was an urgent priority, stressing that the commission must remain firm, transparent and accountable while being fully guided by the rule of law, according to national news agency Bernama.

“Corruption in any form is completely unacceptable and represents a serious betrayal of the people and a threat to the nation’s future,” he said, adding that all Malaysians must work together to reject corruption.

He said the MACC under his leadership would act firmly and fairly against any party found abusing power, regardless of rank or position, and would continue to strengthen whistleblower protection and strategic cooperation with stakeholders.

Abd Halim, who began his two-year contract today until May 12, 2028, also expressed appreciation to the government for the trust placed in him to lead the commission.

Earlier in the day, he arrived at MACC headquarters at about 8.20am, where he was welcomed by senior officers before taking part in a symbolic onboarding ceremony that included scanning his pass card and placing his palm on a digital tablet.

He later chaired a meeting with senior MACC directors, where he outlined plans to strengthen coordination between investigation and prosecution divisions to improve case management and ensure smoother court proceedings.

Among the reforms proposed were tighter internal coordination, enhanced operational efficiency, strengthened recruitment of investigation officers and continued public education efforts on corruption prevention.

Abd Halim also reminded officers to avoid any form of persecution or injustice in carrying out enforcement duties, while acknowledging that public perception of the MACC remains a key challenge that must be addressed through consistent professionalism and integrity.