Anwar urges LHDN to balance technology with human judgement in tax administration

CYBERJAYA, Nov 3 — As of Nov 2, about 269,900 taxpayers submitted a total of 2.14 billion e-invoices, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said its implementation is not intended to introduce new taxes or increase the public’s tax burden.

On the contrary, e-invoices are an important instrument to uphold fairness, detect non-compliance and ensure that all parties fulfil their respective tax responsibilities, he said.

The use of the latest technology, data analytics and automation is important in strengthening tax administration. However, decisions must not be left entirely to technology without human consideration, particularly when people’s rights and interests are involved, he said.

“AI does not possess moral values or humanity. Technology has intelligence, but it cannot replace human wisdom, conscience and judgement,” he said in his speech at the 2026 Innovation and Integrity Day celebration today.

Anwar’s speech was delivered by Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan at the event organised by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) today.

LHDN chief executive officer Datuk Dr Abu Tariq Jamaluddin and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar were also present.

Anwar said technological progress must always be guided by human values to ensure that its use benefits society.

He said it would be unfair if honest workers paid taxes from their earnings while those with greater financial resources concealed their income through multiple layers of business dealings and accounting tricks.

He therefore stressed that tax fairness required laws to be enforced equitably. LHDN officers must be firm against deliberate tax evasion while exercising discretion, within the framework of the law, towards taxpayers who require assistance and guidance, he said.

Anwar also said 2027 is expected to remain challenging amid global economic uncertainties.

“Prolonged conflicts in West Asia, supply disruptions and pressure on energy prices, and the risk of extreme weather conditions caused by the El Niño phenomenon could affect the cost of living and the well-being of the people.

“Therefore, the fifth Madani Budget 2027 mobilises RM510 billion in resources, including RM459.8 billion in federal government expenditure, to sustain development, strengthen economic resilience and safeguard the people’s welfare. Fair and effective revenue collection is essential to achieving these objectives,” he said.

Anwar also expressed his appreciation to all LHDN personnel for their contributions towards strengthening the country’s revenue position.

“Continue striving to master technology, improve efficiency and uphold integrity in carrying out every responsibility entrusted to you.

“However, amid technological advancements and revenue collection figures, never forget the people who form the foundation of every policy and action we take. Carry out your responsibilities not only with integrity, but also with compassion, wisdom and a deep appreciation of human values,” he stressed. — Bernama

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网络，11 月 3 日——总理拿督斯里安瓦尔易卜拉欣表示，截至 11 月 2 日，约 269,900 名纳税人提交了总计 21.4 亿张电子发票。

安华同时也是财政部长，他表示，这项措施的实施并非旨在引入新税种或增加公众的税收负担。

相反，他表示，电子发票是维护公平、发现违规行为以及确保各方履行各自纳税义务的重要工具。

他表示，运用最新技术、数据分析和自动化对于加强税务管理至关重要。然而，决策绝不能完全依赖技术而忽略人的因素，尤其是在涉及人民的权利和利益时。

“人工智能不具备道德价值观或人性。技术拥有智能，但它不能取代人类的智慧、良知和判断力，”他在今天举行的2026年创新与诚信日庆祝活动上的讲话中说道。

安瓦尔的讲话是由财政部长拿督斯里阿米尔哈姆扎阿齐赞今天在马来西亚内陆税收局（LHDN）举办的活动上发表的。

LHDN 首席执行员拿督阿布达里克贾玛鲁丁博士和政府首席秘书丹斯里三苏阿兹里阿布巴卡也出席了。

安华表示，技术进步必须始终以人类价值观为指导，以确保其应用造福社会。

他表示，如果诚实的劳动者用自己的收入纳税，而那些拥有更多经济资源的人却通过多层商业交易和会计技巧来隐瞒收入，那将是不公平的。

因此，他强调，税收公平要求法律得到公平执行。他表示，内陆税收局官员必须坚决打击蓄意逃税行为，同时也要在法律框架内，酌情为需要帮助和指导的纳税人提供援助。

安瓦尔还表示，在全球经济不确定性的背景下，2027年预计仍将充满挑战。

“西亚的长期冲突、能源供应中断和价格压力，以及厄尔尼诺现象造成的极端天气风险，都可能影响生活成本和人民的福祉。

“因此，第五份《2027年马达尼预算案》调动了5100亿令吉的资源，其中包括联邦政府支出4598亿令吉，以维持发展、增强经济韧性并保障人民福祉。公平有效的税收征管对于实现这些目标至关重要，”他说道。

安华也对马来西亚内陆税收局全体人员为加强国家财政收入所作出的贡献表示感谢。

“继续努力掌握技术，提高效率，并在履行分配给你的每一项职责时秉持诚信。

“然而，在科技进步和税收增长的同时，永远不要忘记人民，他们是我们一切政策和行动的基石。履行职责时，不仅要秉持正直，更要充满同情心、智慧，并深刻理解人类的价值。”他强调说。——马新社

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