The deputy publisher of the Cambodia Daily newspaper yesterday said the tax department’s stance that the paper owes $6.1 million in back taxes is a politically motivated tactic to shut a publication critical of the ruling CPP government. The hard-hitting response from deputy publisher Deborah Krisher-Steele followed comments by Kong Vibol, director-general of the General Department of Taxation, made to the government-aligned Fresh News website on Saturday.

 

On Saturday, Mr Vibol told Fresh News that since he issued the $6.1 million back tax declaration to the Daily on August 4, the paper has responded twice, with both responses being dismissed. Firstly, Ms Krisher-Steele said she only recently became the new owner of the paper after taking it over from her father, Bernard Krisher, and therefore did not have to account for former liabilities.

 

“When you buy a company, you buy all included properties and liabilities, so this excuse cannot be accepted,” Mr Vibol told Fresh News. Secondly, Mr Krisher said he operated the paper as a not-for-profit and donated millions to the country through the construction of schools, which should be accounted for.

 

read more http://www.khmertimeskh.com/5078975/publisher-accuses-government-witchhunt/

 

 

-- © Copyright Khmer Times 21/08

Cambodia Daily should have paid its taxes. Always beware the tax man.