Like it or not, Ahmad Maslan says GST still coming

MAY 1, 2014

Protesters hold up a banner against the Goods and Services Tax
(GST) during their march to Dataran Merdeka, on May 1, 2014. — Picture by Saw Siow Feng

KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — Despite protests from some quarters, the Government will implement the Goods and Services Tax (GST), effective next April, which it has been fine-tuning over the past 30 years, said Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan.

Describing the protest rally against the GST as inappropriate, he said the rally organisers should use a better approach to voice their opinions.

“They should have submitted a memorandum on the matter, this (the protests) only serves to politicise all the good things that the government wants to implement”, he told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2014 here today.

The GST will be implemented at a fixed rate of six per cent, replacing the existing sales and services tax.

It will not be imposed on basic food items such as rice, sugar, salt, flour and cooking oil.

Some of the other services exempted include government services such as issuance of passports and licences and healthcare services.

Ahmad said the GST was not something new; in fact, 90 per cent of the world’s population lived in countries which had been practising the GST.

The GST rates to be charged next year were also among the lowest in the world, he noted.

“The principle that all must understand is that tax processed from the people is returned to the people for their social and economic development.

“The government does not keep the money because we will return the money to the people through the annual budget,” he said.

IN THE GALLERY

Protesters walking to Dataran Merdeka at the anti-GST protest at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, May 1, 2014. — Photo by Choo Choo May

Protestors hold signs as they gather at SOGO before walking to Dataran Merdeka at the anti-GST protest at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, May 1, 2014. — Photo by Choo Choo May

Protestors attending the anti-GST protest at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, May 1, 2014. — Photo by Yusof Mat Isa

Protestors attending the anti-GST protest at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, May 1, 2014. — Photo by Yusof Mat Isa

PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu gives a speech during the anti-GST protest at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, May 1, 2014. — Picture by Choo Choy May

Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim gives a speech during the anti-GST protest at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, May 1, 2014. — Picture by Choo Choy May

Bersih 2.0 co-chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasa gives a speech during the anti-GST protest at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, May 1, 2014. — Picture by Choo Choy May

Youth protesters walking on Jalan Raja after the rally ended. — Photo by Choo Choo May

Youth protesters showing their dissatisfaction after the rally ended. — Photo by Choo Choo May

Protestors hold signs as they gather at KLCC before walking to Dataran Merdeka at the anti-GST protest at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, May 1, 2014. — Picture by Saw Siow Feng

Protestors hold their gloved hands up as they gather at KLCC before walking to Dataran Merdeka at the anti-GST protest at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, May 1, 2014. — Picture by Saw Siow Feng

Protestors hold signs as they gather at KLCC before walking to Dataran Merdeka at the anti-GST protest at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, May 1, 2014. — Picture by Saw Siow Feng

A woman puts on a 'Tolak GST' scarf with the help of friends on May 1, 2014.. — Picture by Choo Choy May

Protesters holding up placards during the protest against the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on May 1, 2014. — Picture by Choo Choy May

Anti-GST protesters gathering at Jalan Pinang before converging at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, May 1, 2014. — Picture by Saw Siow Feng

Protesters hold up a banner against the Goods and Services Tax (GST) during their march to Dataran Merdeka, on May 1, 2014. — Picture by Saw Siow Feng

Thousands of Malaysian protesters turn up to protest against the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in front of Dataran Merdeka, on May 1, 2014. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

Thousands of Malaysian protesters turn up to protest against the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in front of Dataran Merdeka, on May 1, 2014. — Picture by Choo Choy May

Thousands of Malaysian protesters turn up to protest against the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in front of Dataran Merdeka, on May 1, 2014. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

Earlier, Ahmad presented a mock cheque worth RM750,000, from Bank Simpanan Malaysia — the book fair’s main organiser — to the National Book Council of Malaysia. — Bernama

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