KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA is seeking a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to find a permanent solution to the RM83mil tax bill imposed on Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
"We will discuss this with the Prime Minister because this involves the institution, which is the UTAR Education Foundation. I will coordinate with them to find a suitable time," the MCA president said.
Dr Wee initially tried to schedule a meeting with the Prime Minister but had to postpone it due to the Prime Minister's busy schedule following the budget announcement.
However, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has also offered to assist, Dr Wee said.
Although the Prime Minister, who also serves as the Finance Minister, has provided tax exemptions and nullified the RM83mil bill, Dr Wee expressed gratitude to the government for this commitment, which dates back to the Barisan Nasional era.
"I think we need to find a long-term solution," Wee said, emphasising the need for a "once and for all" resolution.
Wee also rebutted opposition claims regarding UTAR, stressing that it is not a private limited company but rather a non-profit institution reliant on public donations to operate and support the government.
"We will adhere to any guidelines. We will discuss this with the Prime Minister because this falls under the full authority of the Finance Minister. I welcome the statement from Datuk Seri, and we will all contribute," he told the media following MCA’s 71st annual general meeting at Wisma MCA on Sunday (Oct 20).
He noted that in June 2024, UTAR received an unexpected letter from the Inland Revenue Board, demanding taxes and penalties amounting to RM83mil.
Dr Wee also criticised opposition party allegations against UTAR, urging them to "do their homework before making statements."
"UTAR is not owned by a private limited company. Since its inception, no fees or dividends have been disbursed. We have raised millions in public donations to build and manage the university, easing the government's financial burden," he clarified.
Reflecting on past political challenges, Dr Wee recalled the cessation of grants to Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) following Pakatan Harapan's 2018 election victory.
"Since 1969, despite being founded by the MCA, TAR UC had never been denied matching grants," he noted, attributing past denials to political vendettas against the MCA.
Wee highlighted that out of the 86,850 graduates UTAR has produced, 4,199 were non-Chinese students, showcasing the university's inclusivity.
"This is an institution for the community, not for any individual. No one receives any rewards; everyone is a volunteer. There is not a single sen of dividend given to anyone; everything is channelled back to the university," Dr Wee said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has granted an RM83mil tax waiver to Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), stating that the move aligns with Malaysia's policy of providing tax exemptions to non-profit educational foundations.
Anwar acknowledged the criticism from opposition figures who claimed the tax relief was "preferential treatment" for UTAR. However, the Prime Minister dismissed these notions, asserting that the waiver fully complies with the government's policies.
