PAC to table report over 'missing' RM19.4bil GST refunds on July 16

KUALA LUMPUR: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will table its report over the "missing" RM19.4bil Goods and Services Tax (GST) credit refunds in Parliament on July 16.

Its chairman Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad (pic) said the report had been unanimously approved by all 13 committee members during its verification report meeting.

"I am grateful to Allah that all PAC members, both from the Government and Opposition, unanimously agreed that the report was completed – especially on its conclusion and recommendations involving the RM19.4bil of GST credit refunds," she said in a statement on Wednesday (July 10).

Last August, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng told the Dewan Rakyat that the former Barisan Nasional-led government had not been able to refund companies their tax credit from GST because 93% of the money had not been placed in the correct account.

Noraini admitted that the PAC took about 11 months since Aug 15 last year in order to complete its report.

She revealed that it involved 10 proceedings with 10 witnesses including the current and former Finance Minister, former finance minister II, the current and former Treasury secretary-general, Customs director-general and Accountant General.

"Aside from that, PAC also received three briefings from the National Audit Department as well as input from the Attorney General's Chambers, as well as conducting four meetings to prepare the report," she said.

"The number of meetings itself showed that PAC's investigation took into account all aspects in finding out the truth and obtaining justice over this issue in the interests of the people and the country," she said.

She added that when compiling its report, PAC received input from seven ministries and agencies including the Finance Ministry, Economic Affairs Ministry, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Attorney General's Chambers, the Public Service Department and the Accountant General's Office.

"The report is comprehensive and the input, views and feedback from seven ministries and agencies acting as ex officio, was important to ensure that information and conclusion was not biased and based on fact.

"After the report is tabled in Dewan Rakyat, the public can download a copy from the PAC website at www.parlimen.gov.my/pac on the same day it is tabled," she said.