Are the police turning a blind eye, or protecting someone when it decided not to investigate Mara's allegedly overpriced purchase of an Australian apartment complex, asked a DAP lawmaker.

"Why is Bukit Aman doing their utmost to wash their hands off the case, pretending that there is no crime committed under their jurisdiction?  Perhaps more importantly, who are they trying to protect?" Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua asked in a statement today.

This comes after Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar announced that police had found no elements of criminal breach of trust (CBT) in the Mara case.

"Was it because the minister in-charge of Mara, Mohd Shafie Apdal declared two days ago that the transaction was in accordance to procedure and hence, above board?" Pua ( photo ) asked.

Citing Section 405 of the Penal Code, Pua said there was a prima facie case against Mara officials for "dishonestly appropriating money" they were entrusted with, from the investment funds the government bequeathed Mara.

He also lamented the IGP's decision not to pursue the case, despite the Dudley House vendors reportedly admitting in a sworn affidavit that they inflated the price of the property.

Mara had in 2012 purchased the Dudley House apartment complex in Melbourne, and is accused of overpaying by RM13.7 million, with the overpaid amount allegedly going back to Malaysia as kickbacks.