Unlike PKR, PAS still not for GST – Bernama

OCTOBER 31, 2013

PAS is still against the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) although its ally, Parti Keadilan Rakyat's tone on the issue seems to be in favour of Barisan Nasional's plan.

PAS vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar said the stand made by the opposition on the GST issue had not changed that its implementation would burden the people.

He told reporters today that the statement by Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and PKR deputy president Azmin Ali on the issue did not actually reflect the party's stand.

He was asked to comment on Anwar and Azmin's statement on GST, where Anwar had said that their objection to the implementation of GST was not that they were against the system, but whether the country was ready for its implementation.

Anwar also said that the GST was an efficient and transparent tax system that was capable of bringing good to the country's revenue.

Yesterday, Azmin said the opposition had never rejected the GST and admitted that it was a transparent and efficient taxation system and capable of bringing good to the country's economic system.

The GST of 6% announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak when tabling the 2014 Budget last Friday will be implemented on April 1 2015.

Essential items like food are exempted from the GST. and its implementation will replace the current sales and service taxes. – Bernama, October 31, 2013.