MCA Seeks Meeting with Prime Minister to Resolve RM83mil Tax Bill Issue for UTAR

Overview

The Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) is actively pursuing a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to address the pressing issue of the RM83 million tax bill faced by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). This initiative, spearheaded by Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, aims to find a permanent solution to alleviate the financial burden on UTAR.

Background

• Dr Wee Ka Siong, President of MCA, is coordinating efforts to schedule a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss the matter in-depth.
• Despite initial scheduling challenges due to the Prime Minister’s busy agenda post-budget announcement, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has extended support.
• The Prime Minister has already provided tax exemptions and nullified the RM83 million bill, with Dr Wee expressing gratitude for the government’s commitment to address the issue dating back to the Barisan Nasional era.
  

  Long-Term Solution
  

• Dr Wee emphasizes the necessity for a long-term solution to resolve the tax bill issue once and for all.
• He rebuts opposition claims regarding UTAR, clarifying its non-profit nature and reliance on public donations to support its operations.
  

  Resolution Efforts
  

• MCA vows to adhere to guidelines and collaborates with the government to find a comprehensive resolution.
• Dr Wee highlights UTAR’s significant contributions to education and the community, urging critics to understand the institution’s non-profit status and inclusive approach.
  

  Prime Minister’s Response
  

• Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim grants an RM83 million tax waiver to UTAR, aligning with Malaysia’s policy of providing tax exemptions to non-profit educational foundations.
• Anwar dismisses claims of preferential treatment, asserting that the waiver complies with established government policies.

  In summary, the MCA’s proactive approach to addressing the RM83 million tax bill issue faced by UTAR demonstrates their commitment to finding a sustainable solution. The government’s support, particularly through the Prime Minister’s tax waiver, reflects a positive step towards alleviating financial burdens on educational institutions. This collaborative effort between MCA and the government underscores the importance of upholding non-profit educational foundations and ensuring their continued contribution to national education and community welfare.