`GST to benefit people, country in future'

Posted on 15 February 2014 - 04:27pm

Last updated on 15 February 2014 - 06:41pm

KOTA BELUD (Feb 15, 2014): The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an initiative by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak to restructure the national economy to benefit the people and country in the future.

Sabah State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said Keruak said in this regard, the people need to be on alert against those trying to politicise the GST issue for their own benefit.

"The Prime Minister is seeking to ensure that the restructuring of the economy benefits the country and people in the future," he added.

He said this while officiating the GST Briefing and Price Increase of Goods Issue at the community hall here today. The implementation of the GST was announced during the tabling of the Budget 2014 last October and will be effective April 1, 2015.

Salleh also said the GST was an economic need which could not be avoided and was for the long term good. He said the GST was the most effective method towards resolving and sustaining fluctuations in the global economy.

"The economy is moved by the business community through demand. The GST as a channel as well as method of communication between consumers, traders and the government, will make things more effective, transparent, efficient and friendly," he added.

According to Salleh, the government was always striving to ensure a strong economy to enable wider job opportunities for the people.

"There are many foreign investors in Malaysia as they are confident that the country can continually drive the economy," he said. – Bernama