THE Inland Revenue Board (IRB) said that its investigation against Hamzah Zainuddin was carried out professionally without any political motive.

In a statement it explained that the inspection on a taxpayer’s residential premise is an enforcement activity carried out by the agency in the case of a tax investigation, rather than targeting a specific party.

“Inspections at premises, including residential premises are part of enforcement activities. The action is a form of service to the people who fulfil their tax responsibilities consistently.

“Inspections do not target specific groups, but rather are carried on all taxpayers who are investigated in relation to taxation cases. Our commitment remains the same, we will carry out our duties in accordance with the taxation legislation in force.

“Enforcement is carried out without fear or favour. In fact Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that the IRB must remain free from any influence,” IRB said as reported by Berita Harian.

It was recently reported that former Home Minister Hamzah Zainuddin had his home raided by IRB officers. 

The raid was made following allegations of undeclared income duties.

Citing a source, it said Hamzah was at home during the raid, in which files and documents on accounts and asset ownership were seized.

The report said the IRB did not specify the reason for the raid. 

However Hamzah denied that his Damansara home was raided by IRB officers on Thursday.

The Perikatan Nasional (PN) secretary-general described the news as malicious slander against him and has warned detractors he would act against them, including by lodging police reports.

“The ‘raid’, what do they mean by that? There has been much slander against me, but I usually ignore them.

“Today I was informed about more slander against me. I had actually drafted my police report, but I’ll save it until an appropriate time,” he told reporters after launching the PN state election machinery in Marang, Terengganu. –  June 18, 2023.