By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Nov 7: Asajaya assemblyman Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah revealed many Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders have received notices from the Inland Revenue Board.
At a press conference held on the sidelines of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today, Abdul Karim admitted that he was one of them.
“Well, many of us have already received all those notices,” said Abdul Karim in response to questions raised by the media.
The media has asked: “Do you foresee Sarawak MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission), the Inland Revenue (Board) going after GPS leaders because that is one way to destabilise the state government?”
After admitting that he was one of those who had received notices from the Inland Revenue Board, Abdul Karim steered clear of questions seeking details on how many GPS leaders had received the same notice, and tried to focus only on himself.
“Of course, they are many ways of harassing, of which these are what we call ‘occupational hazard’, when you are in this kind of line (being a politician), you are prepared for it,” said Abdul Karim who is also Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister.
When asked by the media when did GPS leaders start to receive the notices, Abdul Karim said it started once Pakatan Harapan took over the government.
He clarified that he has been duly paying his income tax but there might be some omissions to which he would own up.
“I have paid my Inland Revenue deduction right from the time when I was made the assistant minister but of course, sometimes, ‘tertinggal’ (omitted) here and there.
“I did receive (the notice) but I am addressing it myself, (it) should not be a problem. I am not someone who doesn’t pay taxes,” said Abdul Karim.
According to a source close to Abdul Karim, the minister has been asked to furnish tax filings for last 12 years. — DayakDaily
