No Gst For Now As It Would Burden The Poor Says Anwar

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 The prime minister says the people are still struggling from the rising cost of living.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned the people not to turn the goods and services tax into a political issue. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: The government is not ready to reintroduce the goods and services tax (GST), says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
He said GST is a broad-based tax that would affect all segments of society, particularly the poor, Bernama reported.
Anwar said GST is applied uniformly to all consumers, regardless of income, including fishermen, smallholders and street cleaners.
“GST taxes everybody. It is efficient and straightforward, just 6% across the board.

“But why should the poor and the unemployed be taxed as well?” he said when closing the Perak Madani Rakyat Programme 2025 in Lumut today.
Anwar said although the opposition had suggested GST as a better option, the government had chosen to postpone its implementation to avoid burdening the people, who are still struggling with the rising cost of living.
“That’s why we say we’re not ready for GST.
“If, one day, the economy improves and the minimum wage reaches RM4,000 or more, then by all means, implement GST.
“But for now, I’m calling for it to be postponed. Don’t turn it into a political issue,” he said.
Anwar said the sales and service tax (SST), in its current use, is more targeted in nature.
It taxes imported luxury items such as avocados and cod – products typically consumed by high-income earners – instead of local products like bananas.
The tax revenue collected is used to develop infrastructure that benefits the people, such as hospitals, schools and the national defence system.
It will also fund various development and welfare initiatives that directly benefit the people.
Anwar said although there are weaknesses in the SST system, the government remained open to reviewing and enhancing it comprehensively in the nation’s best interests. - FMT

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