Purpose This study aims to examine the cheating behaviour among accounting students in terms of the extent of neutralization of cheating and the effectiveness of deterrents to cheating of cheaters and non-cheaters. It also aims to examine the differences in the cheating behaviour between males and females of cheaters and non-cheaters groups. Design/methodology/approach Using a questionnaire survey on academic dishonesty developed by Haines et al. (1986) which was administered to accounting students, 435 usable responses were obtained and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. In achieving the objectives, mean score, standard deviation and independent sample t-tests were performed. Findings The results on the extent of cheating neutralization revealed that cheaters have significantly greater excuses to cheat than the non-cheaters. In addition, males have greater neutralization for cheating than females. In terms of the effectiveness of the deterrent to cheating measures, there were significant differences between cheaters and non-cheaters on the effectiveness of two deterrents to cheating measures. The comparison between males and females reveals significant differences between the two genders for cheating neutralization as well as the three cheating deterrents for both cheaters and non-cheaters groups. Originality/value The present study does not only investigate the differences in the cheating behaviour between cheaters and non-cheaters in terms of neutralization and deterrents to cheating but also provides evidence on the cheating attitude based on gender.

In Malaysia, a self-assessment system has been implemented for all companies for more than a decade. The system necessitates corporate taxpayers to declare and calculate accurate sources of income, estimate income tax payable, keep records for audit purposes, and comprehend income tax legislation. In complying with these demands, many corporate taxpayers have to depend on the assistance of tax agents. Using survey data, this study aims to examine the role of tax agents in sustaining the SAS in Malaysia. This study enhances the understanding of the scope of tax agents' involvement under the system. Findings from this study are predominantly positive and should be beneficial for policy makers in their efforts to review and modify current tax systems.

There are three objectives of the present study: to ascertain the types of assessment which are subject to cheating by accounting students; to determine the justifications given by students in neutralizing their cheating behavior; and to identify cheating deterrents from the perception of the students. A total of 435 questionnaires were collected from undergraduate accounting students of all levels of study in a public university in Malaysia. Findings revealed that more than half of the respondents had engaged in cheating, but mainly in quizzes and assignments that offer less weighting towards a final grade, and were subject to less monitoring and less severe punishment. As for neutralization, those who cheated had a tendency to blame instructors for their cheating behavior. In terms of deterrence, religion was cited most frequently as the factor that can deter students from cheating, particularly by continuous reminder that the God is always watching.

Purpose The Goods and Services Tax (GST) implementation in Malaysia had raised various responses from many parties involved when the new tax was introduced in 2015 until its abolishment in 2018. GST complexity has been stated as part of the reasons for its resistance and abolishment. The purpose of this paper is to identify causes of GST complexities during its implementation in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on causes of tax complexity from previous studies and conducted semi-structured interviews with tax experts. The respondents comprised of subject matter experts in GST and the findings are based on their numerous years of experiences handling clients with diverse backgrounds. Findings Findings from this study are categorised into legal complexity and declarative complexities. Almost all the causes of complexities from prior studies were encountered by Malaysian businesses. This study concluded that the most likely reasons for the abolishment of GST in Malaysia are: numerous rules and exception to the rules (e.g. 35 tax codes, gifts rules, 21-day rules), frequent changes of GST rulings and guidelines, GST computations that were too difficult for mixed supply and process of GST refund that were onerous and lengthy. Research limitations/implications Limitations of this paper include reliance on the respondents’ ability to accurately and honestly recall details of their experiences, circumstances, thoughts or behaviours that are being asked. Practical implications Despite the abolishment of the GST in Malaysia, it is pertinent to identify the causes of GST complexities that can be learnt by the relevant authorities. Measures can be formulated to mitigate the identified GST complexities to ensure high compliance among businesses with other existing taxes or new taxes (if any) to be introduced in the future. This includes addressing the competency of RMCD officers and businesses on the rules and regulations, minimal rules and exception to the rules, a simplified GST computations for mixed supply and a systematic refund process. Originality/value The research method used is a flexible and powerful tool to capture the voices and the ways respondents make meaning of their experience dealing with the GST matters. The findings reveal a deep understanding of the issues from the views of the experts in the field.

Malaysian tax system includes a tax depreciation rule separate from accounting depreciation. This paper is to compares and contrasts the accounting treatment of depreciation and the tax treatment of capital allowance. The gap between the accounting and tax is resulted from different definitions of capital expenditure and qualifying asset and also different deduction rate and useful life used in calculating depreciation. This paper proposes the government to revise the current capital allowance system.