BERNAMApic
PONTIAN: The government is confident that it will not face any problems in tabling the motion for Sabah and Sarawak government representatives to be on the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).
Deputy Finance Minister I Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan (pic) said the motion would be tabled through the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (Amendment) Bill 2023 to be tabled during the third meeting of Parliament which will convene on Monday (Oct 9).
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He said the tabling was in line with the decision of a June 5 Cabinet meeting to respect and give more power to Sabah and Sarawak in the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63).
"I don't think there will be a problem. Previously, the Finance Minister was given full authority to appoint anyone he deemed fit.
"Now the minister's power is limited by reference to the Chief Minister of Sabah and the Premier of Sarawak in the appointment of two members of the board.
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"In other words, we respect and give more power to Sabah and Sarawak in the spirit of MA63,” he told reporters after the Johor Kita Madani 2023 event at the Pontian Municipal Council square here on Saturday (Oct 7).
The Pontian MP said the appointments were important so that the representatives would have the full picture of revenue collection in Sabah and Sarawak.
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"Often, Sabah and Sarawak want to know how much revenue (is derived) from the people and companies in the two states, (because) they want that revenue to be given back to both states fairly.
"By having their representatives (in LHDN), they can know in more detail the amount of revenue collected and then we can plan to return it fairly to Sabah and Sarawak for the development of both states,” he added. – Bernama
