IRB defends decision to 'inspect' Hamzah's home

The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) has defended its decision to "inspect" the home of opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin.

According to Berita Harian, the IRB said visiting taxpayers' homes is part of enforcement efforts.

"Inspecting premises, including residences, is part of enforcement activities. This is part of our job to make it fair for law-abiding taxpayers. This is a form of service to the people to fulfil their responsibility to pay taxes consistently.

"This inspection is not aimed at any specific groups. It is done to all taxpayers who are investigated.

"Enforcement is done without fear nor favour. In fact, the prime minister has urged the IRB to maintain its independence," he said.

Sources told Malaysiakini that IRB officers visited Hamzah's home in Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, on Wednesday (June 14).

Hamzah denied his home was "raided", a word that some Bersatu leaders have used to describe the episode.

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin alleged that IRB's investigation against Hamzah was "politically motivated".

"There is no reason (to probe Hamzah). You can see that the investigations are centred on Bersatu and PAS. Same with my case. It's all politically motivated," he said.

In March, Muhyiddin was charged with corruption involving RM232 million. - Mkini