Malaysia’s anti-corruption agency on Monday questioned former economy minister Rafizi Ramli over a billion-ringgit semiconductor deal with British chip designer Arm Holdings, escalating a politically sensitive inquiry that has swept up ministers, senior officials and one of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s most outspoken former allies.

More than 30 supporters had gathered outside from early morning, reports said.

The MACC said Rafizi was summoned to assist investigations into alleged abuse of power and irregularities linked to the 1.1 billion ringgit (US$278 million) strategic partnership between the economy ministry and Arm Limited UK, signed last year as Malaysia sought to move beyond chip assembly into higher-value semiconductor design.

“We will go through the process. We have nothing to hide, and if this ends up in court, I am confident we [have] a strong case,” Rafizi told reporters outside the MACC headquarters on Monday. “If the MACC decides to charge me based on its case, we will defend ourselves in court.”

The case is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act, which covers the misuse of office or position for gratification.