KUALA LUMPUR: MCA’s quest for permanent tax exemption status for Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) has received the backing of Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
As the guest of honour at the 71st MCA annual general meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister and Umno president responded positively to MCA’s request, eliciting cheers and applause from the delegates.
Ahmad Zahid said the government will do “something better” after this, in addition to the move to cancel UTAR’s taxes and fines totalling RM83mil.
“If this is what the MCA president is asking for, don’t worry – abang akan bersama-sama (your brother will be with you along the way). Mei you wen ti. Wen ti bu da (No problem, this is not a big issue),” he declared during his speech, prompting loud cheers from the delegates.
Earlier in his speech, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong had urged the government to provide permanent tax exemption status for UTAR and the UTAR Education Foundation, which owns and operates UTAR.
Although Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, acting in his capacity as Finance Minister, had already granted tax exemptions and cancelled fines, Dr Wee emphasised that the core issue remains unresolved.
While the RM83mil tax bill had been cancelled, the Treasury made clear that the not-for-profit university is to start paying taxes beginning Year of Assessment 2024.
Dr Wee also called for the indefinite continuation of the matching grant allocation for Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, a government commitment established since the institution’s founding.
Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence that discussions about the indefinite matching grant allocation were possible.
“We can talk about this. If the request is for the allocation to be indefinite, I will fight for it together with MCA. We are brothers; we are family,” he said, earning more applause from the floor.
He also announced Dr Wee’s appointment as the investment adviser for Chinese nationals and companies under the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, alongside a RM5bil investment from Chinese firms for a dedicated halal industrial zone, a collaborative effort between himself and Dr Wee.
Present at the annual general meeting were Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Barisan secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, representing MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran.
In his speech, Ahmad Zahid addressed Dr Wee’s comments on freedom of speech and cooperation among Barisan component parties, stating he has “forgiven” those who criticised him in the past.
“MCA has faced criticism, just like MIC. However, the worst was directed at Umno, with accusations of corruption,” he noted.
While acknowledging differing opinions, Ahmad Zahid agreed with Dr Wee that there should be some freedom of speech.
“If I were easily offended, I wouldn’t have come today. I’ve never taken offence at statements made against me, including those from MCA leaders,” he said.
“I’m big-hearted enough to forgive all dissenting statements.”
Dr Wee pointed out that MCA has faced backlash for remaining with Umno following the formation of the unity government.
Ahmad Zahid also said Barisan and Umno could secure more seats in the upcoming 16th General Election if all component parties put aside petty issues and disputes.
“If Barisan works hard and the strategies are well organised in the election and by-elections while avoiding internal conflicts, Barisan can do well even in opposition-held states,” he asserted.
Ahmad Zahid urged unity within Barisan, emphasising the need to skillfully manage any arising issues within the parties and resolve them internally.
“We should address differences of opinion behind closed doors and never bring ‘bedroom problems’ to our front yard.
“If we air them outside, people will see them and they will only grow larger,” he stressed.
