PAC proceedings on GST refunds loss next month

KUALA LUMPUR: Proceedings on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) refunds loss of RM18 billion, will take place on Sept 12, 13 and 30.

Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee said the proceedings would see six individuals called in to testify before the parliamentary select committee, including former Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah.

“These individuals, including those from the Customs Department and Finance Ministry, will also be called in to give explanation on matters related to the loss of GST refunds.

“The National Audit Department had given us the details on 1Malaysia Development Bhd and the GST refunds.

“They cannot be revealed now, as it is still premature and can affect the ongoing investigation,” he said at the Parliament lobby here yesterday.

“It’s too early to make a conclusion, and we will make a decision based on the evidence provided by the witnesses.”

He said the select committee members had been briefed by the Accountant General’s Department prior to the beginning of the proceedings.

He said the briefing touched on the procedures for PAC members to use during the proceedings.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng recently accused the previous Barisan Nasional government of “robbing” the country’s coffers when he found that RM18 billion in GST refund money had gone missing.

Lim had since lodged a police report on the matter.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the allegedly misappropriated RM18 billion in GST refunds was credited into a Consolidated Fund, hence should not be considered a loss.