SHAH ALAM, Mar 3 – Political Secretary to the Dato’ Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, has questioned the statement made by Dato’ Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo that he had not been required to pay taxes on benefits previously received as chairman of Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad (PNSB).

Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad in a statement today also commented on the statement by the former Selangor Menteri Besar as quoted by Berita Harian on February 27th that tax payment on his car would amount to multiple payment to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) as the company would also be paying such taxes.

Nik Nazmi said the statement proved the shallowness of Dr Khir’s understanding on the administration of the state government and subsidiaries.

Yesterday, the IRB was met by PNSB which had previously been found to have failed to declare benefits in kind in pervious EA forms.

Among these benefits included a Harrier and chauffeur given to Dr Khir.

“Does Khir Toyo know the meaning of benefits in kind? If not, it is extremely shameful for a former Menteri Besar who had led the State Government for two terms. Or is he merely trying to avoid being held accountable for this mistake?” he queried.

Nik Nazmi added, the IRB in the meeting also confirmed that there could be no exceptions to position and rank.

He said, the state government would continue to assess other state subsidiaries to ensure transparent and responsible administration. – NOOR ALLIA KASSIM