Najib vindicated with PAC find on GST refund

KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak felt that the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) vindicated him from being accused of stealing GST refund amounting to RM19 billion.

“I feel I was vindicated by the PAC report as it was proven that no robbery or misappropriation had taken place from the GST collection.

“There is a process the funds that came in we had used for management expenses such as administration costs and development purposes.

“This was the most suitable method,” Najib told reporters adding that the method was also practiced by other countries.

Yesterday PAC chairman Datuk Noraini Ahmad (Parit Sulong-BN) clarified that the amount was not missing but the Najib led BN administration violated Goods and Services Tax Act as the funds were placed in the consolidated funds account.

Following that Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (Bera-BN) attempted to cite Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng to the Rights and Privileges Committee as the latter claimed that the money was missing late last year.

Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar (Rembau – BN) meanwhile questioned police action as he had lodged a police report over the matter when Lim first raised the issue.

Deputy Speaker Nga Kor Ming is expected to make a ruling on the next course of action on Thursday following the call made by Ismail. He told the opposition bench to send him a written justification.

By K Pragalath

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