PETALING JAYA: The Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) says it is impartial and professional when it conducts its investigations.
“Inspections at premises, including residential premises, are part of enforcement activities.
“Inspections do not target specific groups, but rather are carried on all taxpayers who are investigated in relation to taxation cases.
“Our commitment remains the same – we will carry out our duties in accordance with the taxation legislation in force.
“Enforcement is carried out without fear or favour. In fact, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised that LHDN must remain free of any influence,” it said in a statement that was reported in Berita Harian.
LHDN said the move to inspect any taxpayer’s residential premises was also a part of the tax investigation by its enforcement team in ensuring fairness to taxpayers who are compliant with regulations.
“The move to inspect any premises is not a move to target any specific party, but applies to all taxpayers who are being investigated. Our commitment is the same, which is to discharge our duties according to the taxation regulations that are in force.”
It was reported recently that LHDN sent a team to the Damansara home of former home minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
A source said Hamzah, who is also Opposition leader in Parliament as well as the secretary-general of both political party Bersatu and the Perikatan Nasional coalition, was at home at the time, and files and documents on accounts and asset ownership were taken away by LHDN.
On Friday, Hamzah refused to entertain media questions on the matter, saying it was slander against him.
“A lot of slander has been hurled at me and I am not going to answer all these as it has been shared widely in our country,” he said, adding that he would sue those who involved in making such allegations.
