Nik Nazmi on ARM chipmaker deal and a witch hunt
Nik Nazmi did not holds bar in his attack on the investigation into the ARM Holdings deal in Malaysia saying it may hurt the country's image
Former Minister in the Madani cabinet Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad lambasted the Madani government and indirectly, the leadership of the party he hails from that is PKR for a witch hunt against his colleague ex-Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli. "Malaysia’s involvement in leading the semiconductor sector is a good effort to elevate the nation’s reputation as an innovation leader. Unfortunately, this effort has been misused by the Government to bring down certain names..." is what he says in a Facebook video post.
In the video, he asks whether the Armholdings case is really a bribery case or is it a political accusation? It involves an agreement of more than RM1 billion between the Malaysian government and the international company Armholdings. The purpose is clear, to build a semi-conductor industry in the country.
ARM chipmaker deal
He also said the decision to go forward with the project was passed by the Cabinet, involving all the Ministers. He mentions the investment was also promoted by the Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, and the Minister of Investment at the time, Tengku Zafrul Aziz.
"The simple question is, is all this a conspiracy?" he asked, adding there is no evidence of anyone pocketing a big sum in the deal and no personal gains. "So this is not a bribery, but it's like a perception war that was built without a full fact." He mentions James Chai who came back to Malaysia to give his share in the investigation, while Jho Low did not come back.
"Today, we see Rafi Ziramli being called. And it is rumored that he may also be charged. What is the real reason? Basic decision, right, or perception? If the strategic decision passed by the Cabinet, promoted by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Investment, can be a case like this, who else dares to invest in our country? We want integrity, but it also needs justice. We have to differentiate between bribery and baselessness in this country," he said in conclusion.
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