He also asked Irwan to be involved in the internal investigations that was being carried out by the finance ministry on the matter.
He said this while wrapping up on the Customs (amendment) Bill 2018 at the Dewan Rakyat.
Lim was reponding to a statement by Irwan who had dismissed allegations that the money meant for GST refunds had gone missing.
Irwan in a statement published by the media today said all monies collected were put under the government’s consolidated funds and the amount due for refund was put into the trust account on a monthly basis based on the requirements of the Customs Department.
Yesterday, Lim said RM18 billion was missing from the GST refunds account and the present government did not have the money to pay the refunds.
The matter is now being debated in the Dewan Rakyat with both sides having a shouting match over the matter.
Lim said yesterday that Irwan should be aware of the missing funds as he had the power and authorised all the documents.
BN MPs slam Guan Eng
Most of the opposition MPs were unhappy with Lim for claiming BN had “robbed” the people of GST refunds. They said the matter should be probed further.
Ronald Kiandee (BN-Beluran) asked deputy speaker Nga Kor Ming to refer Lim to a select committee for confusing the Dewan Rakyat.
He cited Standing Order 36 (12) which states any member who misleads the House is deemed to be in contempt of the House and the member may be referred to the Committee of Privileges for the offence.
Kiandee said the previous government’s standard operating procedure was to pay GST refunds through the consolidated fund.
“Lim has said six times that the previous government had robbed the people of GST refunds.”
BN MPs also asked Lim if proper investigations had been carried out as there could be disputes and false claims by traders.
Lim said even the auditor-general had previously said there were insufficient funds in the trust fund.
Annuar Musa (BN-Ketereh) said it was not right to use the word “rob” before carrying out a thorough probe.
“You have not made a detailed probe but have accused someone of robbing.”
Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam) also called on Lim to carry out a thorough probe before “calling us robbers”.
Lim replied that he would not have brought up the issue if it was not true. He said RM18 billion was missing from the trust funds and a detailed probe would be carried out.
The refunds were supposed to total RM9.2 billion for 2018 refunds, RM6.8 billion for 2017 refunds, RM2.8 billion for 2016 refunds and RM600 million for 2015 refunds.
He would also request that the prime minister make the matter public after an internal inquiry.
Yesterday, Lim said the Customs Department had confirmed that as of May 31, 2018, GST refunds stood at RM19.4 billion although the trust account only contained RM1.4 billion. He said the delays for the refunds were due to a weak cash flow and widespread wastage.