Irwan lodges report with MACC
PUTRAJAYA: Former treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah yesterday lodged a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on the alleged disappearance of RM18 billion from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) refunds account.
He said the report was lodged so that the graft-buster could investigate the matter, which he described as unfounded.
“It is baseless. I want the details because he (Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng) said it’s missing. It’s not missing, but credited into a consolidated fund.
“I lodged a report with MACC as I want the truth (to prevail),” he said before leaving MACC headquarters.
Irwan, who was driving a black Chevrolet, arrived at the MACC headquarters at 9.40am.
He said he might lodge a police report on the matter yesterday.
Lim alleged that the Barisan Nasional government did not follow GST guidelines and had stolen money from a trust account meant to be used for refunds to businesses following tax deductions.
On Thursday, Irwan said the Customs Department made refunds of RM23 billion, which was more than 34 per cent of GST collected last year.
“Outstanding payment is learnt to be at RM15 billion for 2017 that will require verification, investigations and auditing.”
He said if claims for GST refunds were made clearly, without fraud, the Customs Department would make the refund payment within 14 days.
“Otherwise, if there is suspected elements of fraud in input tax claims cases, it will take a longer time to conduct investigations and further auditing.”
He said all information could be retrieved from the Accountant General’s Department and the Finance Ministry’s Fiscal Division.