S'gor MB digs up more dirt on Khir Toyo~malaysiakini

Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has intensified his attacks against Dr Mohd Khir Toyo by accusing his predecessor of failing to declare the perks he enjoyed as chairperson of the state’s investment arm. In a statement issued by the MB’s office today, Khir had allegedly failed to declare perks in the form of a Toyota Harrier and a driver he received as chairperson of Permodalan Nasioanal Selangor Bhd (PNSB) in 2005 and 2006.

The statement further said the matter was uncovered following an evaluation exercise conducted by a group of advisors appointed by the MB’s office on PNSB to enhance its performance.

“Khir used these benefits until he resigned as PNSB chairperson in March 2008. However, none of these benefits were included in the EA forms,” read the statement.

The Employers Assessment (EA) form is issued by an employer to the employee detailing their quantum of tax paid.

According to the statement, PNSB had also failed to include the petrol and maintenance fees paid by the group.

It is learnt that PNSB has over the years given its employees including its chairperson, members of the board of directors benefits in the form of material, cash or both.

“Among the benefits are cars and drivers, as well as holidays for local and international destinations.

“Holiday benefits are given to all staff while cars and dedicated drivers are provided only to chief executive cum director, senior managers and managers,” explained the statement.

PNSB must declare past benefits

Following this, Abdul Khalid had instructed that PNSB submit all list of benefits in kind the company has given to its employees in the past years to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB).

“This directive was made following the discovery that PNSB has over the years failed to declare benefits in kind in the EA forms to IRB.

“The move is to ensure that the state subsidiary does not run foul of the income tax laws,” read the statement.

Today’s allegation of financial impropriety against Khir is the third accusation made by Abdul Khalid in the past three days.

Two days ago, the former Selangor MB was accused of receiving a RM159,250 Patek Phillipe watch as a souvenir.

Although he claimed to have returned it, his foes claimed Khir had found ways to take back the watch via a “backdoor”.

Yesterday, Khir was again implicated and this time the accusation being property scandal worth more than RM20 million.

Khir has been alleged to have perpetrated both these acts also during his time as chairperson of PNSB.

He and his supporters however said the allegations were acts of vengeance by Abdul Khalid who now faces the prospect of legal prosecution following the former’s accusation that the latter had abused his powers when he purchased a car and bought cattle for a Hari Raya Haji event.

malaysiakini
26/02/09

No comments: