While Umno accuses Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng of corruption for allegedly buying his home for cheaper than market price, MIC suspects a tale of tax evasion.
MIC central committee member S Vell Paari believes the low price could have been a ploy to avoid hefty stamp duty.
“If this is so, it clearly demonstrates that (the seller) is working hand in hand with Lim to cheat and defraud the government.
“So is Lim aiding and abetting (the seller) in tax evasion? The tax authorities must immediately investigate this without fear or favour,” he said in a statement.
He added if investigations show evidence of this, both Lim and the seller must be charged in court while Lim must resign.
The Valuation and Property Services Department, however, states that stamp duty is calculated based on selling price or market value, whichever highest.
Lim has denied corruption in the purchase of the five bedroom bungalow on Jalan Pinghorn, Georgetown.
Umno is accusing Lim of receiving a kickback from another deal, in the form of a steep discount on the home.
A list of transacted properties on Jalan Pinghorn obtained by Malaysiakini found that the plot area for the double-storey bungalow was RM275.56 per square feet, when the CM purchased it on July 28, 2015.
The bungalow, which is roughly 4000 square feet was bought for RM2.5 million (RM246 per square feet) on Sep 27, 2008.
Other Jalan Pinghorn properties sold in the last two years vary in terms of price per square.
Transacted price psf of properties on Jalan Pinhorn 2004-2015
Lim also gave the media a tour of his home today, showing reporters the living room, dining hall and kitchen. -Mkini
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