WITCH-HUNT is defined by the Cambridge dictionary as an attempt to find and punish those whose opinions are unpopular and who are said to be a danger to society.
This seems to be the public perception of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) for naming Chai Jin Shern a.k.a. James Chai – aide to former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli as a person of interest in an on-going corruption investigation.
Chai has since expressed disgust in a statement shared on Facebook at what is perceived to be strong arm tactics by the Madani administration in painting him as a fugitive running from the law – a “Jho Low 2.0”.
Declaring that a few simple phone calls to former colleagues or even a LinkedIn search would have ascertained his whereabouts, the former special functions officer to the Pandan MP expressed anger that the MACC instead decided to publicly expose personal details such as his family address to the extent of holding a media conference.
It was insinuated that the whole affair was designed to appear he was a wanted fugitive when he claimed he was just a “nobody”.
Editor’s Note: The MACC’s media statement did not specify the reason for summoning Chai but it follows a recent investigation into alleged misconduct related to a RM1.1 bil government deal inked in March last year with Cambridge, UK-based Arms Holdings plc.
Public opinion also seems to back up this perception that the Madani government is flexing its muscle and using state apparatus to frighten, intimidate and bully critics deemed too vocal.
In this case, it is Rafizi who has become a very large and annoying thorn in the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) backside.
This was certainly the view of tech influencer Ian Wong (@ianwkj) on X who labelled the move to go after Chai in order to get to Rafizi as “insane”.
Going after James Chai just to get at Rafizi is insane.
All while Azam Baki’s shares and MACC’s involvement with corporate mafia is in question.
This is exactly why Azam Baki should be put on leave while investigations be conducted. All this is happening as Rafizi is… https://t.co/bPu3vQpfhG
— Ian Wong 🇲🇾 (@ianwkj) March 4, 2026
Casting doubt on the MACC’s independence and objectivity, the poster noted that since the head graft buster Tan Sri Azam Baki is himself embroiled in allegations of misconduct and wrongdoing, he should be put on gardening leave as to avoid perception of mala fides.
New boss, same as the old boss. That was the main observation among commenters who mocked PH’s much vaunted Reformasi platform that promised an end to nefarious practices employed by previous administrations to scare opponents.
It is clear that Prime Minister’s Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s standing has taken a beating in the court of public opinion with one commenter labelling the promises of reform as “b*llshit”.
What goes around, comes around. That was the salient observation of one commenter who claimed that Rafizi was silent during his cabinet minister tenure when PMX started selectively prosecuting political enemies.
Editor’s Note: Rafzi has since clarified that he was unable to hammer the Madani administration back then as he was under oath to defend the integrity of the latter at all times.
Reflecting just how low Malaysian politics has sunk to, this summons for Chai to help in investigations was described as par for the course and no biggie. Compare this to the shocking attack on Rafizi’s son, highlighted this observer.
The never-ending soap opera of whistle blowers, abuse of power and corruption have become staples in domestic politics. The sense of public dismay is evident. – March 5, 2026
