Opposition would also implement GST if in power, says Anwar – Bernama

OCTOBER 31, 2013

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim leaves Parliament on October 25, 2013. -
The Malaysian Insider by Afif Abd Halim, October 31, 2013.

The opposition would also implement the good and services tax (GST) if it ruled the country, said coalition chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Permatang Pauh MP said objections against the GST did not mean rejecting the tax system, but instead, the country's preparedness to implement it.

He said since he was told of the GST in 1993, he admitted that the system was efficient and transparent, as well as advantageous to the country's revenue.

During a news conference at the Parliament lobby here today, Anwar, who was asked when the country was ready to implement the GST, said: "It will be some time before we can consider it (implementation of GST)."

When tabling the 2014 Budget, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced the implementation of a 6% GST, starting April 1, 2015, but with the exemption of several necessities such as food.

On reports which alleged that The United States of America operated stations at its embassy in Kuala Lumpur to monitor telephone calls and communications networks in the country, Anwar urged the prime minister and home ministry to act quickly so that Malaysia did not look weak in the matter. – Bernama, October 31, 2013.