The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has welcomed Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s pledge to extend full cooperation with regard to the probe concerning his purchase of a bungalow.

Responding to his call for investigations to be expedited, the commission said in order to do so, he could come to the MACC office to facilitate the probe.

MACC director of investigations Azam Baki said the commission had called several witnesses and retrieved related documents.

He also noted that MACC received numerous queries as to when Lim's statement would be recorded.

“Lim's statement would be recorded after MACC records the statement of other witnesses and it depends on the situation when the documents are obtained and studied and based on the other witnesses’ statements

“However, in relation to Lim's willingness to cooperate with MACC and wanting the probe to be hastened, he can come to the MACC office at any time to assist investigations,” he said.

The director of investigations vowed that MACC would probe the case independently and transparently.

Lim landed in the spotlight after it was revealed that he purchased the bungalow in Jalan Pinhorn for RM2.8 million, which is below the market price.

In a statement today, the chief minister dismissed calls for hin to go on leave pending investigations and reiterated his innocence.

Yesterday, the businesswoman who sold the house to him stated in a statutory declaration that it was her right to sell the house at whatever price.

Phang Li Koon also revealed that she did not conduct a market survey before fixing the price.

The businesswoman said she did not get any benefit from the state government by selling the house to Lim.

"It was my decision at what price I wanted to sell it to the CM.

"I stress that I was not pressured or forced or under undue influence by CM (Lim) or any party to sell the house to him at RM2.8 million,” she added.