The “ultra rich” in the country have become too powerful to be held accountable for their actions all this while, but it would not be the case under his watch, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim assures.
According to him, the wealthy have a duty to give back to society as their status was reached with the help of others.
“You (the rich) need to remember the roles played by the others, such as the cleaners and cooks.
“Everyone plays their roles, so you help others in return,” said Anwar, who is also finance minister, while addressing his ministry’s monthly gathering in Putrajaya this morning.
The premier then highlighted the difficulties faced by civil servants when dealing with wealthy individuals connected to people in power.
“The rich pay lower taxes and are too powerful to be touched.
“Twenty-five years ago, I made a media statement pointing out that the rich are the hardest group to pay their taxes, and that they have direct access to ‘big’ people.
“So, if the (Inland Revenue Board) director-general takes any action against them, it might backfire,” said Anwar.
‘I will not succumb to the crooks’
The prime minister pledged that he would not act against civil servants who take action against the wealthy.
“I will defend every single civil servant for doing their duties well. I will not succumb to the crooks.
“I never tell them (the officers) not to act against the rich. My only request is that they reexamine the matter to see if it is fair,” he added.
Among prominent figures who are currently under MACC investigation include former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, who faces criminal charges for allegedly failing to comply with a MACC notice to declare his assets.
Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s sons Mokhzani and Mirzan were also served with a notice from MACC requiring them to declare all movable and immovable assets in their possession. - Mkini
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