PARLIAMENT | An opposition Public Accounts Committee member claims that RM19.4 billion meant for goods and services tax (GST) refunds are not missing as alleged by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.
"The RM19.4 billion is in the (consolidated) accounts," Ahmad Hamzah (BN-Jasin) told the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said this while rebutting Lim's assertions that the funds are missing.
The finance minister had told the Dewan Rakyat on Aug 7 and 8 that RM19.4 billion in GST refunds were misappropriated by the previous BN administration.
"If the funds are in the (consolidated) account, why do we have to look for money to pay the refunds?" Lim asked Ahmad back.
He added that this showed that the opposition was either confused, or in denial over the matter.
Earlier, Ahmad had warned Lim not to discuss the matter further as the PAC report on the GST refunds will be tabled in Parliament next week.
"We will see together who is right and who is wrong," Ahmad said.
Lim retorted that he eagerly awaits the report.
Earlier, the finance minister had sparred with former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak over the refunds.
Najib had claimed the RM19.4 billion was caused by a surge in refund applications by businesses rushing to get refunds when the Pakatan Harapan government moved to abolish the GST.
Lim, however, shot back that the RM19.4 billion was the amount owed as of end of May this year.
Najib said he received no such report of missing funds, and that he would have taken action if this was true.
"No funds have been stolen," the Pekan MP said. - Mkini
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