Johor State Election | Raising TAR UMT Tax Exemption to Correct Mistakes: Wee Ka Siong, What Crime Have I Committed?
(Kluang, 8th) MCA President Datuk Seri Dr. Wee Ka Siong said that raising the issue of tax exemption for Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) is to correct mistakes. 'What crime have I committed?' He was criticized for raising the issue during the election campaign period. He believes that the blame should fall on the Ministry of Finance for sending the letter at this time.
He said that the letter reducing the tax exemption from 10 years to 3 years was dated June 18. After inquiring with the TAR Education Foundation secretary, he confirmed that the letter was received on July 1, which is why he decided to make it public.
He said that in the past two days, DAP members have been attacking him, accusing him of deliberately raising the tax exemption issue during the election period. 'These people have too much imagination. How would I know that the Ministry of Finance would choose to send the letter on June 18, during the Johor state election campaign period? If it had been sent on July 13, there would be no problem.'
Wee Ka Siong clarified the TAR UMT tax exemption incident at the Ming Ji Moo state constituency Chinese community exchange event.
Wee Ka Siong made the above remarks at the BN-MCA Ming Ji Moo state constituency Chinese community exchange dinner tonight.
He also mentioned that when TAR UMT was upgraded to a university college in 2012, the cabinet confirmed in black and white on December 5, 2012, that it would provide an annual administrative grant of no more than RM60 million. At that time, there were three tax exemption mechanisms, including student loans and the university itself, which were all tax-exempt.
'Later, it was said to be merged into one, agreeing that the TAR Education Foundation would enjoy tax exemption, and the Prime Minister announced a 10-year tax exemption, but the official letter turned it into 3 years.'
He said he had no idea who decided to send the letter on June 18. Only after being questioned by reporters did he inquire and learn that the letter arrived on July 1.
He said the Ministry of Finance stated that the university had not yet met some conditions, thus reducing the tax exemption period to 3 years.
He said the university cannot use 75% of its income (including tuition fees) for hiring teachers, but only 20%. 'Is that reasonable? Tuition fees should also be taxed? That is unacceptable.'
He said that after the cabinet meeting today, the tax exemption period was restored from 3 years to 10 years, proving that the university's accounts are clear.
'We are not deliberately looking for trouble. But if someone messes with our affairs, we will definitely fight for our rights and correct the mistakes.'
Image caption: Wee Ka Siong (left) arranged to go to Kluang to support Ming Ji Moo state constituency candidate Yap Chi Peng (center); second from right is Mahkota state constituency candidate Syed Faisal.
