In defence of the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) and the doctors in the private practice, I believe the actions taken by IRB on a small group of doctors that had misrepresented their income to avoid paying tax is justified.

The actions of the small group of doctors in private hospitals does not represent the majority who are law-abiding citizens who pay taxes accordingly.

We all have a part to do in nation-building for the future generations. No one in the world likes to pay taxes but all of us must realise that the tax monies are used to pay government salary, provide education, health and security services and many others that are needed for the best interest of the people.

It was the taxes paid by the previous generation that gives us the education and makes us successful doctors as what we are today. Hence it is our time to pay back and help the current generation so that they can help the next generation.

Certainly, like many, it pains me to see that the limited tax collected has not been properly used and marauded with abuses and wastages. However that cannot be the basis of misrepresenting one’s taxes.

Today, Malaysian Muslims have the opportunity to get tax deduction for the zakat that they paid and many prefer to pay zakat rather than tax with the aim of fulfilling religious obligations.

This practice needs to reviewed. Pure zakat payment has limited usage under Islam but tax payment can be used to cover expenditure allowable under zakat. In my mind, a wider interpretation is required as ‘paying tax is paying zakat plus plus’. The government should restructure the current practice so that the 2.5 percent of taxes collected should be allocated for those activities defined for zakat usage but cover all the population.

The history of zakat need to be reviewed and detailed analysis must be done on why zakat was created and adapted to take into account the growing complexities of society.

As for the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) which has announced that they will help those doctors affected by IRB’s action, it sends a very negative message. It is as if MMA is supporting alleged thieves. MMA’s committee must seek the members’ approval at an annual general meeting (AGM) after detailed deliberation. The MMA cannot be used to defend the wrongdoers who allegedly cheat the nation in broad day light.

As for IRB, I salute them for doing their job and encourage them to go all out in getting back what is due to the country.