Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today revealed that it was already moving in on Mara even before allegations of corruption in the agency's purchase of property in Australia became public.

"As soon as receiving information from the public in March 2015, MACC began the process of profiling the individuals and companies involved in the property purchase.

"Following this, MACC also received a visit from Australian police in May 2015 and both sides exchanged information and commenced investigation," said MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Mohd Shukri Abdull in a press statement this evening.

He added that even before Australia-based The Age reported about the matter on June 23, the MACC had already deployed its officers to Australia to probe the matter.

He also denied Gelang Patah MP Lim Kit Siang's ( photo ) statement based on The Sun 's report that the MACC was aware of the matter since six months ago but had yet to take action.

The Age reported that Mara spent A$22.5 million (RM65 million) in public funds to purchase The Dudley in Melbourne.

The purchase, which among others involved a former politician, was overpriced by A$4.75 million (RM13.7 million).

The news report said the extra RM13.7 million paid was laundered out of Australia and paid as bribes to the Malaysian officials responsible for the purchase.

MACC have recorded statements

Mohd Shukri said a number of individuals have already been called in to have their statements recorded and investigation is still ongoing.

He asked that the MACC be given cooperation and space to probe the matter.

"There is no issue of MACC trying to cover up, it is unfair for any quarters, particularly politicians, to make assumptions that MACC want to cover up this case," he said.

The MACC also reiterated that it is an independent body and asked that the public understand it cannot reveal the contents of its investigations so as not to jeopardise the probe.