Mahathir: Income tax dept going after Pakatan supporters

Former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad tells Pakatan Harapan rally intimidation by Inland Revenue Board against contributors is harassment to sabotage GE14 efforts.

KUALA LUMPUR: The tax season has seen the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) pay particular attention to individuals and organisations said to be supporters of opposition parties, claims Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Without identifying anyone or providing any specific cases, the former prime minister told the crowd at the “Selamatkan Malaysia” (Save Malaysia) forum at Dewan Sri Siantan, Selayang here last night, that there was intimidation by LHDN against “contributors” to opposition coffers.

“I have been informed that those wanting to donate to Pakatan Harapan are likely to be harassed by LHDN. This is part of the ways that the government intends to sabotage our preparation for the next general election (GE14),” Mahathir said at the event also attended by Selangor Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali, Amanah president Mohammad Sabu and DAP’s Tony Pua.

Mahathir, who is PPBM chairman, added that with the Barisan Nasional-led government knowing how much money is needed by PH to prepare for and run the election machinery, they are applying pressure to limit if not stop such funding altogether.

“We need posters, buntings, and even to register candidates. All these costs money.”

This is not the first time that Mahathir has brought up the issue of the LHDN going after those who support him or the opposition.

In July last year, Mahathir told reporters in Jakarta that he and his family and friends are being harassed by government agencies.

“I am being harassed at the moment. A lot of things are being done to make life very uncomfortable for me, and my family and my friends. They are being visited by the Income Tax Department,” he said of the harassment, which he claimed were attempts to pressure him to stop criticising Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Mahathir said this at a press conference following a speech he gave at a public lecture on Building Economic Independence and Clean Government to university students in the Indonesian capital. --FMT