The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has been urged to investigate Johor Menteri Besar Khaled Nordin over a land scandal, which saw one of his excos, Abdul Latif Bandi, slapped with 33 charges.

Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) vice-president Salahuddin Ayub said this is because Khaled chaired the state's exco meetings.

“As a citizen, I wish to ask how can approval (for the land matter) be obtained based on the powers of Abdul Latif alone?

“It must have gone through a process of collective agreement at the exco meeting, which must have been chaired by the menteri besar.

“Therefore, it is strange if the investigation stops with Abdul Latif alone. This is not sufficient... the menteri besar must also be held accountable,” he told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

Yesterday, Abdul Latif claimed trial to 33 counts of graft involving a total of RM30 million.

The former state housing and local government committee chairperson was charged under Section 28(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act along with middleman Amir Sharifuddin Abdul Raub.

The councillor was held on March 9 for allegedly aiding the illegal conversion of bumiputera land to non-bumiputra status for disposal at higher prices.

The conversion involved hundreds of plots worth tens of million ringgit.

Days before his arrest, the MACC detained in Johor seven people including Abdul Latif's son, special political officer, a lawyer and a housing developer, all aged between 25 and 50.

Apart from over RM500,000 in cash, 21 luxury cars and high-powered motorcycles seized in the raids, MACC officers also seized 150 designer handbags during the raid.

The MACC also discovered 45 bank accounts belonging to the suspects with over RM15.5 million.