Raid the 'giant companies' if they refuse to pay tax, Anwar tells IRB

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today repeated his instruction to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) to be strict in collecting taxes.

In his speech during Malaysia’s Tax Day 2024 celebration in Cyberjaya, Anwar said the authority must be firm in executing its duties without fear or favour.

According to the prime minister, many “giant” companies were still reluctant to pay their tax dues to the government.

“If the need arises (for IRB) to take strict actions, then yes... because there are some who think that they can evade paying their taxes as they hold a certain position or influence.

“We can no longer send a wrong message that the ‘maha kaya’ (super-rich) can get away, they must be earnest in paying tax.

“I have said this many times, you (IRB staff) do your job. Whether the person is Ahmad or Ah Seng, or if he holds the Tan Sri or Tun titles, I don’t care.

“If he or she fails to pay their taxes... you raid and take action,” he said this morning.

Although Anwar did not mention any names, it is believed that he was referring to former finance minister Daim Zainuddin and his wife Na’imah Abdul Khalid, who were recently charged in court over alleged failure to declare their assets to the MACC.

The anti-graft agency had also instructed the sons of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad - Mirzan and Mokhzani - to declare their assets.

Good governance

Anwar further spoke about his experience leading the Finance Ministry back in 1996 where he received reports that many famous giant companies were being difficult and refused to pay their tax dues to the country.

“Some of them only paid half of what they were supposed to pay, some even paid a quarter. Because they were giant corporate companies they thought no one would dare to touch them.

“The tax officers at that time were so brave in carrying out their duties and managed to collect all the dues, regardless of the status of the companies.

“So, to honour their efforts and risks they faced in doing their job, I had then decided to elevate the status of this agency, from a department to a board (IRB),” he said.

Anwar told the audience that the government is focusing on reducing deficits by practising good governance and reducing the country’s debts.

He said the country’s leaders should not pass down debts to future generations, as it would become a burden to them just like what the government is facing today.

“It doesn’t matter how much revenue the country collects, if there are leakages, the future generations would feel the burden.

“That is not good leadership.”

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