In a statement, Pekan Nanas assemblyman Yeo Tung Siong commented on the recent revelation by Khaled that some 3,000 Bumiputera-status houses – most of which were luxury homes – had been converted to international lots since the end of 2013.

According to Khaled, the revenue from the conversion earned the Johor government RM600 million from developers which was then put into Tabung Hartanah Bumiputera – a Bumiputera real estate fund – to build over 6,000 units of affordable housing.

Khaled’s revelation had come in the wake of a land scandal in Johor which saw six men – including the son and special officer to a senior Johor exco member – detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

The MACC had reportedly said all the suspects were believed to have played a part in the reduction of premium for land approved for housing and industrial projects, as well as the conversion of various premises in Johor from Bumiputera to non-Bumiputera status.

Aside from the arrests, the MACC also seized 21 luxury cars, five high-powered motorcycles, cash of RM500,000, including foreign currency, and documents.

In addition, 45 bank accounts belonging to all the suspects involved were frozen to help in investigations. MACC said the amount in the accounts totalled RM15.5 million.

“Where did the suspect’s wealth come from? Did it come from their alleged involvement in the scandal?” asked Yeo.

Yeo said he hoped the emergency motion he submitted for the next state assembly sitting, calling for the setting up of a select committee to monitor the ongoing investigations into the scandal, would be accepted and supported.

“An in-depth investigation is needed and these investigation reports need to be published for the benefit of the public,” he said, adding the people deserved to know the truth.