KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has denied Opposition claims that its members of parliament will only be given allocations if they pledged support for his leadership.
Instead, the prime minister said discussions on the matter were more focused on ensuring government stability and economic growth.
“There are no conditions to support the PM as alleged by the Opposition. We have given the mandate to (Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri) Fadillah (Yusof) and the committee (to handle discussions).
“Talks are focused on ensuring government stability and on economic growth that guarantees peace and stability,” he said after performing Friday prayers at the Bandar Teknologi mosque in Kajang yesterday.
On Thursday, Fadillah said the Unity Government Secretariat Supreme Leadership Council had agreed in principle to consider extending allocations to elected representatives from the opposition. He said a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) will be prepared and conveyed to the opposition for further discussion.
Meanwhile, payment of fees for training or classes in esports, equestrian, swimming, motorsports and taekwondo is eligible for tax relief of up to RM1,000 from next year, said Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
She said that these sports were among the 103 types of sports gazetted in the Sports Development Act 1997 (Act 576).
Additionally, Hannah said tax relief would also be provided for the purchase of sports equipment for activities listed in Act 576 as well as registration fees for sports competitions, including running.
“Gym membership and sports training fees are new inclusions in the tax relief. This means that when they make tax relief claims next year, they can include payment receipts. They can claim up to RM1,000.
“These are among the 103 types of sports gazetted under Act 576. The list of sports will be displayed on the KBS (Ministry of Youth and Sports) website soon,” she told a press conference here yesterday.
Hannah said the expenses were for the use or benefit of oneself, spouse or child.
“We know many parents who send their children to participate in tournaments, they can also enjoy this incentive,” she said.
She added that the tax relief was subject to several criteria, namely, sports training must be conducted by a coach, club, or company registered with the Sports Commissioner (PJS) or incorporated under the Companies Act 2016; one-off or series of training sessions; types of sports are listed under First Schedule of Act 576, and expenses must be evidenced by payment receipts.
“The public is advised to check first to ensure that the training providers comply with the conditions and criteria set in order for them to be eligible for this tax relief,” she said.
To date, a total of 9,955 sports entities have registered with the PJS, and it is expected to increase with approximately 100 applications per week. – BERNAMA
