PETALING JAYA: The Internal Revenue Board (LHDN) has stressed that it is impartial and professional when it conducts its investigations.
“Inspections at premises, including residential premises are part of enforcement activities.
“Inspections do not target specific groups but rather are carried on all taxpayers who are investigated in relation to taxation cases. Our commitment remains the same, we will carry out our duties in accordance with the taxation legislation in force," it said in a statement that was reported in Berita Harian.
“Enforcement is carried out without fear or favour. In fact, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that LHDN must remain free from any influence,” it said.
The board said that the move to inspect any taxpayer's residential premise was also a part of the tax investigation by its enforcement team in ensuring fairness to taxpayers who are compliant with regulations.
"The move to inspect any premises is not a move to target any specific party but applies to all taxpayers who are being investigated. Our commitment is the same, which is to discharge our duties according to taxation regulations that are in force.
Recently, an LHDN team went to the Damansara home of former Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
A source who was cited said the Hamzah, who is also the Opposition Leader in Parliament as well as the secretary-general of both Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and Perikatan Nasional, was at home during the event, where files and documents on accounts and asset ownership were taken away by LHDN.
On Friday (June 16), Hamzah refused to entertain media questioning on the matter, saying it was a slander against him.
"A lot of slander has been hurled at me and I am not going to answer all these as it has been shared widely in our country," he said, adding that he would sue those who are involved in making the allegations.
