Monday, October 7, 2013

Anwar promises to lead nationwide protests if GST implemented in Budget 2014


Monday, 07 October 2013 08:01
Written by Malaysia Chronicle

KUALA LUMPUR - As national unease rises over an expected slew of price hikes, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim promised to lead nationwide protests if Prime Minister Najib Razak implements a Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the upcoming Budget 2014, due to be presented on October 25.

Anwar's Pakatan Rakyat colaition has fought the sales tax for years, arguing that it will further burden the people although it might make the tax collection process more efficient for the government.

"We will not only oppose the GST tabling in Parliament, but also organise protests in the entire country," The Sundaily reported Anwar as saying at a press conference held in Seberang Jaya on Sunday.

Seberang Jaya assemblyman Dr Afif Bahardin was also at the press conference.

Anwar, who is the Permatang Pauh MP, said all the parties in the Pakatan coalition had already reached a consensus against the tabling of the GST.

Coming after the recent 20-sen hike in RON95 petrol price, Anwar said the implementation of GST would seriously deplete the already lean disposable income of the people, who were already struggling with soaring food and transportation prices.

The GST, if implemented, will be imposed on goods and services at every production and distribution stage in the supply chain, including importation of goods and services.

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