The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will investigate the source of UMNO Treasurer Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor’s wealth.

Its chief commissioner, Latheefa Koya, said she had instructed her staff to initiate an investigation paper against the former Federal Territories Minister.

She said the MACC has taken Tengku Adnan's fortune seriously as he had allegedly racked up almost RM1 billion.

"The MACC is taking this matter very seriously and I have given orders for the investigation to commence," Latheefa told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex on Thursday.

According to Latheefa, what is at the forefront of the investigation is how Tengku Adnan acquired assets that reached such value.

“Our issue is not the disclosure of the assets but how it came to be. I have given instructions to begin the investigation,” she added.

Earlier, Tengku Adnan told the Kuala Lumpur High Court that he does not need to take RM2 million in bribe for personal use.

According to the UMNO Treasurer, he was a successful businessman before venturing into politics and the RM2 million value seemed like 'pocket money' to him.

During a cross-examination by Deputy Prosecutor Julia Hamzah before Justice Mohamed Zaini Mazlan, Tengku Adnan who is also Putrajaya MP asserted that the money received from Managing Director Tan Sri Chai Kin Kong was a political donation.

"It (RM2 million) is not (worth too much). To me it is just like pocket money," he said when asked if the amount was of high value to him.

Tengku Adnan said he completely disagreed with Julia's suggestion that he accepted the money for his personal use.