GST refunds not stolen, says Zahid

The opposition leader says the funds were placed in a consolidated account and should be seen as being part of the consolidated fund.

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KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition leader Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today denied that RM18 billion in goods and services tax (GST) refunds was missing, saying funds can only be considered stolen if the money was used for purposes other than what it was intended for.

The Umno president was responding to Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng’s claim that the previous Barisan Nasional (BN) government had “robbed” the people of their money.

“I don’t think it is missing as the funds are placed in a consolidated account, so we have to see it as being part of a consolidated fund.

“It would only be considered a theft if it was used for reasons that did not comply with regulations,” he said.

He said if the funds were used for projects determined by the budget, or if they were not used in accordance with the allocations, the matter should be presented in Parliament so that opposition MPs could debate on it.

“But don’t make accusations to create the perception that it was all the fault of the former government. The current finance ministry staff supported the (BN) government and the (Pakatan Harapan) government must be fair to them as they are faithfully carrying out their duties in the current government.

“I think it is more important for them to start behaving as the government (of the day), rather than playing the blame game as if they are still the opposition.

“If they cannot solve that problem, it is better for them to let us be the government. We will find a way to solve it,” he said.

Yesterday, Lim alleged there was a shortfall of RM18 billion in a trust fund where GST refunds were supposed to be deposited by the then-government.

He told the Dewan Rakyat that the previous government had robbed the people of their money, which was abused or given to cronies.

Lim said the Customs Department confirmed that as of May 31, GST refunds stood at RM19.4 billion although the trust account only contained RM1.4 billion.

The refunds comprised RM9.2 billion for 2018 refunds, RM6.8 billion for 2017 refunds, RM2.8 billion for 2016 refunds, and RM600 million for 2015 refunds. -FMT