Wee seeks Anwar's intervention in Utar tax dispute

Wee seeks Anwar's intervention in Utar tax dispute


Published: Oct 5, 2024 6:09 PM


MCA president Wee Ka Siong has called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to swiftly resolve the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) tax dispute.

Wee (above) stressed that only Anwar, who is also the finance minister, has the authority to reverse or annul the Inland Revenue Board’s (IRB) tax penalties imposed on the university.

“In 2023, the IRB audited the Utar Education Foundation and found everything in order. So why are we now being hit with sudden tax demands and penalties?” he questioned in a press conference today.

His remarks came on the heels of IRB’s pursuit of RM83 million in unpaid taxes and penalties from Utar.

Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying stated that, according to IRB, Utar itself was never granted tax-exempt status, unlike the Utar Education Foundation, which received its exemption under Section 44(6) of the Income Tax Act 1967 on July 1, 2003.

He further argued that the Utar Education Foundation and Utar should be recognised as a single entity, disagreeing with their current classification as separate bodies.

He pointed out that for over 20 years, both the foundation and Utar have complied with legal requirements, regularly submitting asset reports and passing all audits without issue.

Wee, who is also a member of Utar’s university council, disclosed that the university received a letter from IRB in June, after which he met with the prime minister to address the matter.

Despite meetings with Anwar, IRB insisted on their decision to pursue the tax payment.

Wee stated that the university had filed an appeal to the IRB in an attempt to overturn the decision and is believed to be in the final stages.