“According to the Federal Government Financial Statements, commitments for tax refunds have increased sharply from RM14.6bil to RM33.3bil (in 2024). "Based on this trend, outstanding tax refunds for 2025 are very likely to be significantly higher,” said Rafizi (PH-Pandan) when debating the motion of thanks on the Royal Address in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Jan 26). "The question, therefore, is why taxes that were over-collected have not been returned to the public and to companies? He said the government has talked about having strong fiscal discipline, controlling expenditure, reducing corruption and successfully reducing our fiscal deficit year by year. "If these refunds were properly accounted for, the actual fiscal deficit for 2024 would be estimated at between 5.8% and 6%, compared with the 4.1% figure presented.

Source: The Star January 26, 2026 18:44 UTC