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

PUTRAJAYA, April 28 — Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's former aide Chai Jin Shern, also known as James Chai, has finished giving his statement to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today in connection with an investigation involving a leading global semiconductor firm.

He was seen leaving the MACC Headquarters here at 6.30 pm, after more than eight hours giving his statement to assist in the case involving Arm Holdings Plc of the United Kingdom.

Earlier, James Chai arrived at the MACC Headquarters at 10 am with his lawyer.

He, however, refused to be interviewed by media practitioners gathered at the MACC Headquarters.

On April 1, the MACC gave the former economy minister's ex-aide two weeks to come forward to assist in the investigation and was also prepared to bear his flight costs to return to Malaysia.

On Feb 16, the MACC was reported to have opened an investigation into an agreement between the Malaysian government and a foreign company estimated to be worth RM1.1 billion.

According to sources, the probe was initiated following complaints from several non-governmental organisations, which alleged that the agreement was concluded hastily and one-sided, potentially resulting in financial implications for the government.

The sources said the investigation is also focusing on elements of conflict of interest, as several individuals were allegedly given senior positions in the foreign company after leaving the ministry concerned. — Bernama

KOTA KINABALU, April 28 — Sabah has formally asked Putrajaya to immediately pay its 40 per cent revenue entitlement amounting to just over RM3 billion, with state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun insisting the claim is based on undisputed and publicly available tax data.

Masidi said the state government wrote to the federal government on April 10 seeking payment of 40 per cent from two forms of taxes – customs and income tax – collected in Sabah which alone totalled RM7.547 billion in 2025.

“Forty per cent of that comes to RM3.019 billion. These are not figures in dispute – they are published statistics. There should be no room for doubt, and on that basis alone, the payment should be made,” he said in the State Legislative Assembly today.

Masidi stressed that while ongoing legal proceedings have delayed broader claims, particularly those involving “lost years” between 1974 and 2021, Sabah is seeking immediate payment for more recent years where the data is clear and uncontested.

He said the state respects a Court of Appeal decision on April 6 to defer implementation of Sabah’s 40 per cent entitlement pending an appeal at the High Court in Kota Kinabalu, but emphasised that the decision relates specifically to retrospective claims.

“The delay authorised by the Court of Appeal concerns the special grant for past years. It does not negate our position on current entitlements, which are based on transparent and shared data,” he said.

Masidi added that Sabah would not compromise on what he described as the state’s “absolute right”, and that negotiations with the federal government are continuing through official negotiation channels rather than through the public media domain.

He also said that while some figures cannot yet be disclosed due to ongoing negotiations, the state’s internal estimates suggest Sabah’s total claim could be significantly higher.

“Out of respect to ourselves, and to the negotiation process, we cannot disclose figures other than those that have been made public,” he said.

To other supplementary questions, Masidi affirmed that Sabah’s claim extends beyond income tax and customs duties to include other revenue streams, including petroleum-related duties, though these remain under discussion.

“All taxes that we believe we are entitled to, we will claim, regardless of type,” he said.

Sabah has long maintained that it is constitutionally entitled to 40 per cent of net revenue derived from the state, a provision that has been the subject of protracted negotiations and legal disputes with the federal government.

PUTRAJAYA, April 27 — The Federal Court has fixed June 30 to deliver its decision on the prosecution’s appeal against the acquittal of Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman over four charges linked to funds from Armada.

According to a report by Kosmo! Online, Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin confirmed the date when contacted by the media today.

The outcome — whether Syed Saddiq remains acquitted or is convicted — will be decided by Court of Appeal president Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Jais, who will sit with Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Razali and Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, after having heard submissions from both sides.

The prosecution in the appeal is led by Wan Shaharuddin, alongside Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib and Farah Ezlin Yusop Khan, while Syed Saddiq, 33, is represented by lawyer Hisyam Teh Poh Teik.

Syed Saddiq was previously charged with abetting criminal breach of trust involving RM1 million in Armada funds entrusted to its former assistant treasurer Rafiq Hakim Razali at a bank in KL Sentral on March 6, 2020.

He also faces a charge of misappropriating RM120,000 from an Armada-linked account between April 8 and 21, 2018.

In addition, he was charged with two counts of money laundering involving transfers of RM50,000 each from his bank account into his Amanah Saham Bumiputera account, allegedly proceeds of unlawful activities.

The alleged offences were said to have taken place at a bank in Taman Perling, Johor Bahru, on June 16 and 19, 2018.

The prosecution had earlier filed a petition of appeal at the Federal Court with 28 grounds, seeking to reinstate the High Court’s conviction and sentence that had been overturned.

The Court of Appeal had on June 25 acquitted and discharged Syed Saddiq of all four charges in a unanimous decision led by Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim, with Datuk Azman Abdullah and Datuk Noorin Badaruddin also on the bench.

The ruling overturned the High Court’s earlier decision, which had sentenced him to seven years’ imprisonment, two strokes of the cane and a RM10 million fine.

PUTRAJAYA, April 27 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s lawyer, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, has declined to comment on developments involving the former prime minister, including the withdrawal of his appeal over an alleged addendum order linked to a house arrest bid and reports of a fresh application for royal pardon.

Speaking to reporters after proceedings at the Court of Appeal, Muhammad Shafee said the matters were beyond his purview.

“There are things that are beyond me. I cannot comment. I do not know,” he said.

When pressed further, he reiterated: “The correct quotation is, I cannot comment.”

Earlier today, court documents revealed that Najib had withdrawn his appeal against the High Court’s decision dismissing his application for judicial review over an alleged addendum order. The purported order would have allowed him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.

Separate reports have also cited sources as saying that Najib recently submitted a new clemency application to the Federal Territories Pardons Board.

Referring to his earlier remarks on the matter last month, Muhammad Shafee appeared reluctant to elaborate further.

“You have quoted all that before. Why do you need a special answer this time? You all want to make it more interesting. I cannot comment,” he told reporters.

Najib, 72, has been serving his sentence at Kajang Prison since Aug 23, 2022, following his conviction for misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd.

However, a royal pardon granted on Jan 29, 2024, reduced his original 12-year prison sentence to six years and lowered his fine from RM210 million to RM50 million.

Court documents also show that Najib has withdrawn a separate appeal against the High Court’s refusal to grant him leave to initiate committal proceedings for contempt against former attorney-general Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, April 27 — A former school van driver was acquitted and discharged by the Sessions Court here today on a charge of committing physical sexual assault against an eight-year-old boy at a condominium in 2022. 

Judge Datin Kunasundary Marimuthu freed Na Li Jing, 34, at the close of the defence case, finding that a reasonable doubt had been raised against the prosecution’s case.

In her ruling, Kunasundary found that the accused had only begun renting the condominium in 2024, not in 2022 as stated in the charge, a fact supported by an independent witness whom the court found to be truthful, firm and consistent in his testimony.

“Hence, how could the alleged sexual assault have taken place? Are the premises stated in the charge correctly attributed to the accused? In this case, the report of sexual assault was lodged several years later, and the victim was a young child. 

“Surely, the Investigating Officer (IO) bears a greater responsibility to ensure that all aspects of the case are properly and thoroughly investigated, including verifying the ownership or occupancy of the premises where the alleged offence is said to have occurred.

“It has been reiterated time and again that the duty of an investigating officer is to gather all evidence, both for and against the suspect, to ensure a fair trial and the proper administration of justice. However, in this case, it appeared that the IO had merely recorded statements from the witnesses before proceeding to charge the accused. 

“In essence, upon a comprehensive evaluation of the evidence before this court, the court finds that the defence has succeeded in raising reasonable doubt as to the veracity and occurrence of the charge faced by the accused, and the prosecution has failed to establish its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Hence, the accused is discharged and acquitted of the charge,” she said. 

Na was charged under Section 14 (a) of the Sexual Offences against Children Act 2017 with committing the offence on the boy at a condominium in the Petaling district, Selangor, between October 7 and 8, 2022.

The charge was brought on June 11, 2025, and he was ordered to enter his defence on February 20, 2026.

Deputy public prosecutor Norhana Sahat led the prosecution, while lawyer Muhammad Amirul Mukminin represented the accused. — Bernama