SHAH ALAM: In the midst of this economic recession the Selangor State government is carrying out assessments on all its subsidiaries to increase their performance.

In this process, a group of advisors appointed by the Menteri Besar Incorprated (MBI) has found that Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad (PNSB)  failed to declare benefits in kind in its previous EA Forms returned to the Inland Revenue Board.

Among these benefits in kind include a Harrier and chauffeur given to the former Selangor Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo who was also PNSB Chairman.

However, Khir Toyo had said to Berita Harian on Feb 27 2009: “It is a standard procedure. If i paid taxes for this car it would amount to multiple payments to the IRB as the company was also paying such taxes.

His statement proves the shallowness of the former Menteri Besar’s understanding on the administration of the state government and subsidiaries. Yesterday, during the meeting between the PNSB representative and the IRB, the latter confirmed that all benefits in kind must be declared in the EA form without exception to rank or position in the company.

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?

However the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat government will continue to assess other subsidiary companies in order to ensure transparent and responsible administration.

NIK NAZMI NIK AHMAD
POLITICAL SECRETARY TO THE SELANGOR DATO’ MENTERI BESAR