PUTRAJAYA, April 29 — Former aide to Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Chai Jin Shern or James Chai, will be recalled to continue giving his statement on the third day of investigations at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters tomorrow.

MACC Investigation Division Senior Director Datuk Mohd Hafaz Nazar, when contacted, confirmed the matter and said James Chai, a political analyst, has been asked to appear at 10am after the process of recording his statement today was concluded at 6.45pm.

The MACC had earlier recorded the statement from him as a witness in the investigation involving a government-funded semiconductor project worth approximately RM1.1 billion.

According to sources, the witness arrived at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya at 10am today to continue providing information and assisting in the investigation of the case.

“The witness arrived at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya at 10am and he was present for the second day to have his statement recorded,” he said.

On April 1, the MACC gave James Chai a two-week period to come forward and assist in the investigation involving the semiconductor firm.

Prior to that, on February 16, the MACC opened an investigation paper regarding an agreement between the Malaysian Government and a foreign company estimated to be worth RM1.1 billion.

According to sources, the investigation was initiated following complaints by several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which alleged that the agreement was made hastily and was one-sided, to the extent that it is expected to have financial implications on the government.

In addition, the investigation also focuses on elements of conflict of interest, as several individuals are alleged to have been appointed to senior positions in the foreign company after leaving a ministry. — Bernama 

PUTRAJAYA, April 29 – The Finance Ministry has announced an increase in the retail prices of RON97 and RON95 petrol for the April 30 to 6 May 6 2026 period, while diesel prices in Peninsular Malaysia will remain unchanged.

In a media statement released today, the Madani Government attributed the adjustments to ongoing volatility in global petroleum markets, driven by the prolonged crisis in West Asia.

The weekly price adjustments are based on the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM), which takes into account average international market prices from the previous week.

According to the Ministry of Finance, global oil supplies and refined petroleum products continue to face constraints. Damage to production and refining facilities in West Asia is expected to require significant time for recovery, keeping petroleum prices elevated compared to pre-crisis levels.

The government has urged the public to use fuel prudently to help strengthen the nation's supply stability.

New Retail Prices (April 30 – May 6 2026)

The government also reaffirmed the following subsidised fuel prices:

The Madani Government stated it will continue to take a prudent approach to protect the public from price fluctuations while ensuring the nation’s fuel supply remains sufficient and secure.

PUTRAJAYA, April 29 — The Ministry of Finance today confirmed that guidelines have been issued to ministries and agencies to reprioritise operating expenditure in response to global supply chain challenges and rising subsidy commitments.

The ministry said the measure is part of a prudent fiscal management approach aimed at optimising government resources to ensure continued support for the people.

It stressed that spending adjustments will be carried out without affecting critical public services or undermining economic stability.

PUTRAJAYA, April 29 —The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will fully implement the Single Sign-On system for the MyJPJ Smart Application using MyDigital ID effective May 1, 2026.

JPJ Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said the move is part of the government’s broader public service digitalisation agenda aimed at enhancing cybersecurity and improving service delivery efficiency.

He said the new system will enable users to access a wide range of JPJ services through a secure, valid and officially recognised digital identity.

"Users will only need MyDigital ID as their primary authentication method to access the MyJPJ application, reducing reliance on multiple login credentials while minimising data security risks,” he said in a statement today.

The MyJPJ app serves as an integrated platform offering a variety of services, including checking and renewing driving licences, renewing motor vehicle licences, checking summonses, and accessing other JPJ-related services online.

To date, the application has recorded more than 14 million users.

The latest version of the app will also include several new features, such as MyDigital ID integration, a guest mode that allows limited access without logging in, a 24-hour smart chatbot, and the integration of JPJeBid and JPJeQ services into a single platform.

JPJ is encouraging all MyJPJ users aged 12 and above to register for and activate their MyDigital ID ahead of the full rollout.

For MyPR holders, the existing login method will remain available through designated alternative channels.

Aedy Fadly said the single sign-on initiative reflects JPJ’s continued commitment to advancing digital transformation while ensuring public services are more efficient, secure and user-friendly. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, April 29 — A former aide to Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Chai Jin Shern or James Chai, is back at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters here today to continue providing his statement in connection with an ongoing investigation.

On the second day of the investigation, Chai arrived at 9.45 am to assist in the probe involving Arm Holdings Plc, a leading semiconductor company based in the United Kingdom.

He had also appeared at the MACC headquarters yesterday at around 10 am, where he spent more than eight hours giving his statement.

On April 1, the MACC gave Chai two weeks to come forward to assist in the investigation and stated that it was prepared to cover the cost of his return flight to Malaysia.

The anti-graft agency opened an investigation paper on Feb 16 into an agreement between the Malaysian government and a foreign company, reportedly valued at RM1.1 billion.

Sources said the investigation was initiated following complaints from several non-governmental organisations, which alleged that the agreement had been rushed and was overly favourable, potentially resulting in financial implications for the government.

The probe is also examining possible elements of conflict of interest, amid claims that several individuals were appointed to senior positions in the foreign company after leaving their roles in a government ministry. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, April 29 — Systematic documentation of decisions is a critical safeguard in maintaining the integrity of enforcement agencies as the country copes with the global supply crisis arising from conflicts in West Asia, according to Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) chairman Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar.

He said that in a crisis requiring swift action and involving significant public spending, every enforcement decision must be properly recorded, reported transparently and subject to audit to prevent abuse of power and sustain public trust.

“In times of crisis, comprehensive documentation is not merely an administrative requirement, but the foundation of integrity and accountability in every enforcement action.

“Even under pressure, integrity can be preserved when officers operate with clear guidelines, thereby avoiding biased decisions or those driven by personal interests,” he told Bernama.

He noted that strain on supplies often necessitates urgent measures such as price controls, subsidy restructuring and enforcement of energy-saving policies, increasing the risk of misconduct if integrity controls are not strengthened.

As such, Ismail stressed that every directive within the chain of command must be systematically recorded to ensure actions are traceable and can be reviewed in cases of non-compliance or disputes.

“Each instruction must be documented through checks and balances, such as second-level approvals or cross-verification between officers and departments, to prevent misuse of authority,” he said.

He noted that responsive public complaints management and whistleblower protection are crucial components in ensuring transparency and accountability, particularly when emergency measures or policy interventions are implemented.

In certain circumstances, he said, dedicated monitoring teams or integrity task forces could be established to expedite oversight of policy execution and enforcement operations.

Citing lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, Ismail said special audits on public expenditure and fund management had helped ensure transparency and boost public confidence in the government’s crisis management.

From a legal standpoint, Ismail noted that the EAIC is mandated to disclose investigation findings to the public in line with Section 30(5) of the EAIC Act 2009 (Act 700), reinforcing transparency within the enforcement system.

“In principle, findings will be disclosed to ensure transparency and accountability, thereby maintaining public trust. However, such disclosures are carried out judiciously, taking into account confidentiality, public interest and prevailing legal requirements,” he said.

He emphasised that integrity in crisis management goes beyond compliance with standard operating procedures (SOP), requiring that all powers exercised be carried out prudently, transparently and responsibly.

“The key lesson is the need to strengthen SOP compliance, field supervision and effective accountability mechanisms to ensure that all powers exercised during a crisis remain grounded in law, proper governance and public service integrity,” he added. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, April 29 — Former aide to Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Chai Jin Shern, known as James Chai, will return to give evidence at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters today.

MACC Investigation Division senior director, Datuk Mohd Hafaz Nazar, confirmed this when contacted, saying that Chai is due to appear at 10am.

He said Chai’s statement-taking yesterday ended at 6.30pm, and the case is being probed under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009.

MACC took a statement from political analyst Chai, a witness in the probe into a government-funded semiconductor project worth roughly RM1.1 billion.

Sources said the witness showed up at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya to share information and aid the investigation.

“The witness arrived at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya at 10am yesterday, and efforts are now focused on wrapping up the investigation,” he said.

On April 1, MACC gave Chai a two-week window to step forward and help with the semiconductor firm probe, even offering to foot his flight back to Malaysia.

Sources said on February 16, MACC launched a probe into a RM1.1 billion deal between the Malaysian government and a foreign firm following complaints from several NGOs alleging the deal was rushed and one-sided, likely costing the government financially.

The probe also looks into potential conflicts of interest, with some ex-ministry officials allegedly landing top roles at the foreign company soon after leaving government. — Bernama