Anwar: The wealthy given leeway in paying taxes?

PARLIAMENT, 7 Oct: Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim has urged the government to reveal the tax collected from 20 billionaires.

Anwar urged Putrajaya to reveal the amount of tax collected from the elite, especially businessman Tan Sri T Ananda Krishnan and Tan Sri Vincent Tan, as well as the sons of former Prime Minister, Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir.

He said this when expressing support for the Inland Revenue Board Act (Amendment 2014) in Parliament today.

“I support the amendments, which give more autonomy to the Inland Revenue Board,” he added.

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“I want to know the amount of tax we have collected from the 20 billionaires in this country,” asked Anwar, quoting a report by Malaysiakini.

Explaining his support, Anwar said that there were claims that the rich are given leeway from paying their taxes.

“It is not easy for normal people to get this leeway but there is information that IRB is pressured where the rich and billionaires are given the privilege of paying 18 months installments for example,” he said.

Anwar wants Putrajaya to explain their stance on this matter and implement the collection of taxes in a fair and equitable manner.

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“I would not have a problem with this, if this is given to all those who are entitled.

“However, this exception cannot be given on grounds that this had happened before (the IRB being pressured) and I hope there is change to ensure the IRB is more efficient, professional and autonomous in collecting taxes without considering the status or wealth of someone,” he added.

NS

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