KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA Feb 24, 2026 — Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir today stood firm on the government’s strategic collaboration with UK-based semiconductor leader Arm Holdings, stressing that the partnership will continue as planned to advance Malaysia’s ambitions for “Made by Malaysia” chips.
In a post on X accompanied by a video statement, the minister directly addressed intense media questioning following the launch of the 2026 Economic Census yesterday.
“Saya diasak dengan pelbagai persoalan daripada pihak media. Apakah status kerjasama Kerajaan Malaysia dengan Arm Holdings? Adakah kita akan mengalah dan lupakan cita-cita negara untuk melihat cip Made by Malaysia? Mereka juga nyatakan kebimbangan sekiranya siasatan SPRM akan mengganggu usaha ini?” he wrote.
Akmal reiterated that his position remains unchanged after the census launch. He highlighted that the Arm agreement was a collective decision by the previous Cabinet and represents a national commitment to transition Malaysia’s semiconductor industry from back-end processes (such as packaging and testing) to high-value front-end activities, particularly chip design.
“Maka, Kementerian Ekonomi kekal dengan pendirian untuk TERUSKAN dan fokus kepada PELAKSANAAN,” he emphasised.
The RM1.1 billion (US$250 million) 10-year deal, signed in March 2025, grants Malaysian firms access to Arm’s world-leading intellectual property and computer subsystem designs. It is seen as critical for boosting the country’s position in the global semiconductor value chain, where Malaysia currently ranks sixth but remains heavily focused on lower-value segments.
The remarks come amid an ongoing investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM/MACC) into the agreement. The Ministry of Economy has confirmed full cooperation with the probe, including the provision of all requested documents, but maintains that the Cabinet-mandated initiative must proceed to safeguard long-term national interests in high-tech industries.
Akmal’s statement aligns with earlier comments made at the Economic Census 2026 launch on Feb 23, where he described 2026 as a year of “execution” for key economic policies.
The government views the Arm partnership as essential for enhancing Malaysia’s competitiveness in AI chip design and supporting the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the 13th Malaysia Plan.
No further details on the MACC investigation timeline were provided, but the minister urged focus on implementation to deliver tangible benefits for local industry players.
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