Ex-minister refutes claim of missing RM19b GST refunds
KUALA LUMPUR: Former finance minister II Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani yesterday refuted Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng’s claim that RM19 billion had gone missing from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Refunds Fund.
“I and (Datuk Seri Ahmad) Husni (Hanadzlah) have briefed them regarding the procedure for GST refunds.
“I stressed that no money amounting to RM19.1 billion had gone missing. It’s impossible for that money to disappear and I have explained it to them.
“As I have mentioned, the refund premium was divided into many categories,” he said in reference to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting.
According to news portal Malaysiakini, Johari said in the course of the hour-long session, he had explained to the PAC members the procedures in collecting GST and giving refunds.
“Firstly, on refunds that cannot be made due to them not being taxable.
“Secondly, investigations carried out over certain allegations. Thirdly, on deduction issues, fourthly on review of approvals, and lastly, on approved ones (refunds),” he said.
Johari and Husni (former finance minister II) were summoned for a PAC meeting yesterday over Lim’s allegation that the previous Barisan Nasional government had misused RM19.1 billion meant as GST refunds.