Govt seeking additional RM1.7bil in taxes from Najib

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Government is seeking almost RM1.7bil in additional taxes from former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for the years 2011 until 2017.

The Government, through the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), filed the lawsuit against Najib as the sole defendant at the High Court registry on June 25.

In its statement of claim, the Government said the IRB had sent an additional tax assessment notice via registered post to the defendant's house address in Taman Duta on March 25 but the notice went unanswered.

According to the notice, Najib must pay RM116,173,374.12 (for the year 2011); RM320,929,932.31 (2012); RM891,573,465.46 (2013); RM119,144,655.51 (2014); RM16,879,500.03 (2015); RM643,445.21 (2016) and RM346,471.41 (2017).

However, Najib's failure to pay RM1.47bil for the seven years within 30 days from the date of the assessment notice resulted in the first 10% increase, which is in accordance with Section 103 of the Income Tax Act 1967.

As Najib still failed to settle the renewed sum within 60 days under the same Act, a compounded 5% hike was added to the sum, said the plaintiff.

"The plaintiff has the right to recoup the income tax that is still owed along with the increases imposed on the defendant as a tax which is due to be paid," it said.

It added that until Friday (July 5), the defendant is yet to pay the amount owed.

The Government is claiming a sum of RM1,692,872,924.83 with a 5% per annum from the day of judgment until the sum is satisfied, costs, and any relief deemed fit by the court.

The case is fixed for case management on Monday (July 8) before High Court deputy registrar Erry Shahriman Nor Aripin.- Star