In a statement today, he said he read with great alarm about the “raid”.

“Even though the raid was conducted in the presence of Lim and his wife, Betty Chew, and their lawyers, such action raised grave concern over the issue of even-handedness and impartiality in investigations.

“Furthermore, the concerted effort and exceptionally swift response by the MACC in respect of Guan Eng’s case stands in sharp contrast to the lack of action taken in respect of the scores of reports against Prime Minister Najib Razak.

“Was there any raid conducted on Najib’s home? And if not, why would the investigation into the purchase of a bungalow require such drastic action?”

Azmin said it was of utmost importance that the MACC be not only fair and impartial in conducting the investigations, but also be seen to be so.

The MACC had earlier taken a statement from Lim and his wife at their office from 10am regarding the controversial purchase of the Pinhorn Road bungalow for RM2.8 million.

They then visited his house, together with Lim’s counsel RSN Rayer and Ramkarpal Singh at 3.15pm. They left about 4pm.

Rayer told Malaysiakini that the five MACC officers who came in three cars, visited the CM’s home for a “routine inspection”.

“They came to CM’s home after taking further statements from him and his wife,” Rayer added.

“The officers left about 4pm and said nothing further,” Rayer said.

Lim’s legal counsel Gobind Singh Deo said the MACC did not conduct a raid at the premises as reported by a newspaper.

“A raid means the MACC would come to your home without notice,” Gobind told Malaysiakini.