Chai, who arrived at 9.59am, entered the MACC compound in a white Proton Persona without stopping to speak to the press. He is understood to have been accompanied by his lawyer.

MACC previously issued a public search notice for Chai and offered to cover his travel costs from the UK, where he now works.

The notice, issued on March 4, did not specify why he was being sought. However, it came after an investigation into alleged misconduct linked to a RM1.1 billion government deal with chipmaker Arm Holdings signed in March last year.

MACC gave Chai several extensions to return and assist in the probe, failing which the anti-graft agency said it would consider seeking cooperation through international channels, including Interpol or foreign enforcement agencies, to locate him and ensure his attendance.

Chai said on March 6 that he had appointed two lawyers to liaise with MACC’s officers to arrange a session for the anti-graft agency to record his statement.

This was after MACC called on Chai to immediately contact its investigating officers and return to Malaysia to assist in an ongoing investigation. The commission said he had yet to respond to several attempts by officers to reach him or present himself at its headquarters in Putrajaya.

Chai however said he only realised MACC wanted his cooperation after the public notice was circulated to trace his whereabouts, and that he was ready to fully cooperate with MACC “in a lawful and professional manner”.

He also criticised the search notice, which displayed the address of his childhood home, saying it was excessive and appeared intended to portray him as a fugitive with something to hide.