People more receptive to GST, says Hasan

Publication: NST

Date of publication: Apr 21, 2014

Section heading: Main Section

Page number: 021

KUALA LUMPUR: The majority of Malaysians now have a better understanding of the concept behind Goods and Services Tax (GST), which will be implemented in April next year.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek said the people were more accepting of the GST and its implementation now that they had a better understanding of it.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, when tabling the 2014 Budget, had announced the implementation of GST, which replaces the existing sales and service tax.

Hasan said the government would ensure that the public understood the facets of the new taxation system despite some irresponsible groups trying to take advantage by confusing them about it.

On the implementation of GST, he said it would depend on Najib as the finance minister to decide whether the country's economy was stable and the government was prepared in terms of administration.

"It all depends on the economic situation and the readiness of the government's administration. It could be pushed forward or delayed, but our target is still April 1 next year."

He was commenting on Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Razali Ibrahim's statement on Saturday that GST might be delayed if the situation was not conducive.

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan said 330 speakers had been trained to help the government explain the GST.