Claims in Sarawak 'sting video' that Singapore withholds tax information are false: Govt

A CONTROVERSIAL video alleging corruption on the part of the Sarawak Chief Minister and his family and that they hide their illicit gains in Singapore drew a strong response from the Monetary Authority of Singapore and Finance Ministry last night.

The central bank said a claim in the "sting video" that the Singapore Government withholds financial data from Malaysian authorities was false.

It said Singapore has provided full information requested by Malaysia for tax purposes and the two countries have had a good working relationship on tax matters.

"The allegation is simply false," said the agencies. "Contrary to what was claimed in the video, Singapore has to date provided fully the information requested by Malaysia for tax purposes."

Singapore has designated a wide range of crimes as predicate offences to money laundering - including corruption, bribery and fraud, said the Government. This is in line with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force.

"Singapore therefore has been and remains able to provide mutual legal assistance to the fullest extent permitted under our laws where there are requests from Malaysia."

The Government was responding to queries about the 16-minute video clip that alleges that Sarawak chief minister Taib Mahmud, a senior leader of Malaysia's ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, was involved in corruption.

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