Publication: NST
Date of publication: Oct 29, 2013
Section heading: Main Section
Page number: 020
Byline / Author: By Zarina Zakariah; Lavanya Lingan; Hana Naz Harun
THE Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a fair system that should be looked at from a positive point of view, especially by the opposition, Kepala Batas member of parliament Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said.
He said while views from opposition leaders were welcomed, they had to be constructive and based on facts and figures.
"GST was supposed to be implemented in 2011, but the government put it on hold as the time was not right. Now, the country's inflation rate is at two per cent, one of the lowest in the country's record, so the government decided that this is the right time to implement it," he said at the Parliament lobby yesterday.
He added that people should understand that the government would never burden its citizens with irrational taxes.
"That is why GST comes alongside Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M), where the tax imposed will be offset by BR1M."
He added that the i-BRIM insurance policy announced in the 2014 Budget was also proof that the government would never neglect the people's welfare.
"The government is giving a coverage of RM30,000 for BR1M recipients. Only a concerned government would introduce such a scheme, so it is not right to view the new taxation system in a negative perspective."
The government, he said, was also committed to address wastage and leakages of public funds, and would never sweep issues brought up in the Auditor-General's Report under the carpet.
"The ministers have come forward to explain the leakages. The government is looking at this issue seriously.
"So, all parties should work hand in hand to create a healthy economic climate."
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