GST should be implemented in stages, says Mahathir

JUNE 19, 2013

The Goods and Services Tax (GST), if implemented, should be done in stages, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

"Everything should be done in stages, slowly, not the full amount at the same time, for the benefit of the people," he told reporters at the Perdana Leadership Foundation CEO Forum 2013.

Economists have opined that now is the right time to implement the GST as part of efforts to bolster government revenue.

"Overall, having the GST is good. I think public relations work has to be done a little bit more on GST and the fact that we shouldn't be so idealistic by saying it won't cause inflation. It will," Nor Zahidi said. - Bernama, June 19, 2013.Malaysian Rating Corp Bhd (MRCB) chief economist Nor Zahidi Alias had said while the government is seen to be stepping up implementation of the GST, he suggested that complementary measures be taken to protect low-income earners from its impact.