The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will call any relevant parties to give statements to assist in the investigation into the real estate purchases made by Mara Inc Sdn Bhd (Mara Inc) in Melbourne, Australia.

MACC chief commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad said the people which will be called will be in accordance with the needs of the investigation, and not necessarily the former Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal.

He said, the individual will not be called if it is not necessary.

“We will look at the needs of the investigation. If there is a need and we will call anyone and not necessarily Datuk Shafie Apdal.

"(We will) probe those who can testify or are involved. We shall see… if it is necessary we will call, otherwise we will not,” he said.

He was speaking at a press conference after Corruption-Free Pledge ceremony and signing headed by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin with the executive councillors at the Johor Menteri Besar’s Office at Iskandar Puteri, Johor.

Previously, Shafie Apdal has expressed his willingness to be investigated by the MACC in regards to the issue of purchasing a property by a Mara Inc. subsidiary in Melbourne.

“I am compelled to respond to some of the statements which linked my name that have been viral on social media recently, in which at that time I was serving the portfolio of Minister of Rural and Regional Development in the case involving Mara.

“I understand that this case is still under MACC investigation and I am willing to cooperate at any time if the authorities need information to assist in investigations,” Shefie said in a statement.

Earlier, a total of 24 witnesses were called by the commission to assist in the investigation on this issue.