‘Tourism Tax spat resolved’

PUTRAJAYA: The spat between Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz and leaders from Sarawak and Sabah over the Tourism Tax issue was resolved during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday.

“When chairing the meeting, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said the problem has been resolved.

“No minister, whether federal or state, will be making any more statements on the issue.”

Ahmad Zahid said he had met Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman to further explain the situation.

“Let’s close the old chapter and open a new one. About Sarawak’s withdrawal from the Tourism Board, just let it be.

“I’ve said the issue has been settled, so let’s not stir up the situation,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid stressed that the objective of introducing Tourism Tax is to use the money collected for promoting tourism.

He added that the government will not postpone the implementation of the tax, that is expected to begin on July 1.

“We feel that one of the problems in tourism promotional activities is the funds. There are states which collect a small amount and there are states which contributed a lot.”

The issue of the tax arose after Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman criticised the federal government for imposing tax laws in Sarawak without consultation, and suggested the July 1 implementation date be deferred.

On a separate issue, Ahmad Zahid said the public should not criticise Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar for knowing Gopinathan Krishnan, who is being probed by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

Gopinathan is alleged to have collected bribes from operators of illegal businesses to be channelled to the police.

“It is normal for police personnel, or even ministers, to (have acquaintances). But the relation is not based on criminal (elements), so it is not fair to relate (Gopinathan’s probe) to the IGP,” he said.