KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 18): The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) has promoted its deputy CEO (Compliance) Datuk Abu Tariq Jamaluddin as the new CEO of the agency effective last Sunday (Dec 17).

The appointment follows the end of Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Nizom Sairi’s service contract on Dec 16, IRB said.

Mohd Nizom served the position for just under two years and two months, after being promoted on Oct 19, 2021, from his previous position as deputy CEO (tax operations).

At that time, Mohd Nizom took over from Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah, who served five years and ten months before his request to resign, which resulted in the early termination of his contract.

“Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Nizom Sairi, 61, has served 38 years in IRB, the agency said.

“Among his significant contributions include introducing the concept of AES [awareness, education and services[ to strengthen the service provision in IRB. It was intended to rebuild public trust towards the nation’s direct tax collection system,” said the agency in a statement.

IRB's tax collection also breached record high under Mohd Nizom’s purview, namely RM175.4 billion in 2022, it added.

Abu Tariq, a law graduate from the University of Malaya, has served in IRB for 28 years, during which he had been appointed deputy CEO (policy) and director of the law department of the agency.

Abu Tariq has vast experience in the direct tax segment, comprising legal and tax compliance, it added.

“With the vast experience of Datuk Abu Tariq Jamaluddin, this surely will allow IRB achieve the vision of becoming the leading tax administratorin line with the aspiration of building Malaysia Madani for public well-being,” the statement said.