KUALA LUMPUR – The government has terminated the services of Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah as Inland Revenue Board (IRB) CEO.
In a brief statement today, the tax agency said his contract has been cut short, and this takes effect tomorrow.
“The shortening of his contract has been agreed by Sabin himself, in order to allow him to venture into other fields suited to his interest.
“We record our highest gratitude to Sabin for his contributions to IRB, and wish him success.”
Sabin was appointed CEO on December 12, 2016 during Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s time as prime minister. He replaced Tan Sri Mohd Shukor Mahfar.
However, Sabin was recently in Najib’s firing line, with the Umno lawmaker accusing him and IRB of power abuse.
Last month, Najib lodged a police report against the agency, alleging that its board colluded with certain politicians to falsify documents and commit power abuse in relation to his RM1.7 billion tax arrears case.
The Pekan MP said he has “strong evidence” that senior IRB officials and the said politicians “clearly” violated various sections of the Penal Code and Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009.
He has forwarded to police evidence against IRB, in relation to the alleged power abuse involving board members.
On Wednesday, Free Malaysia Today quoted a source as saying Sabin would resign, but did not give a reason for the decision.
Meanwhile, in another statement, the IRB said the appointment of Nizom, who was deputy CEO (taxation operations), will take effect tomorrow.
The IRB said Nizom, 58, who holds a master’s degree from Lawrence Technological University in the United States, began serving in the IRB in November 1985.
It said Nizom has a wide range of experience in the field of taxation, including in compliance and collection, as well as international taxation and related training.
“Before holding the portfolio as deputy chief executive, Nizom has also held important posts in the IRB, including as investigations department director, director of the Malaysian Taxation Academy, Compliance Department director and Perak IRB director.” – The Vibes, October 18, 2021
