PM: Economic squeeze without GST

MAY 1, 2014

Datuk Seri Najib Razak said that despite the protests in Kuala Lumpur
against the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the reality was that the country’s
future would be guaranteed once it was introduced. — Picture by Saw Siow Feng

JITRA, May 1 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today the Goods and Services tax (GST) system that will be implemented from April next year is able to secure the country’s future with more robust yields.

The prime minister said even though certain quarters proposed to hold protests in Kuala Lumpur against the GST, the reality was that the country’s future would be guaranteed once it was introduced.

“If we think rationally...we understand that every government policy is for the people’s benefit. Don’t expect results in one or two days, you sow the seeds today, you expect the fruit tomorrow,” he said when officiating the Civil Service Labour Day celebration 2014 at Wawasan Hall here.

Najib urged the people to understand the government’s intention in undertaking changes and transformation because of its strong rational. 

“This is the meaning that should be realised... changes cannot be stopped… must proceed… if we don’t change, we will face an economic squeeze and bring suffering to the people,” he said, adding that the government wanted to undertake changes and transformation despite being viewed as unnecessary. 

The function was also attended by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa, Public Service Department Director-General Tan Sr Mohamad Zabidi Zainal and Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) President Azih Muda.

This year’s theme is “Civil Servants, Pillars of the Nation.”

Najib said the government was a government that does not promise something that it is unlikely to be fulfilled and not merely to garner support or popularity without thinking of the consequences. 

“When we intend to do something, we weigh carefully and use fair considerations. If Cuepacs President wants allowances to be upgraded, salaries to be raised, then we need to increase productivity... Where do we find funds if we do not have the yields to fund these considerations,” he said.

Based on the government’s considerations, he said, it had brought success to the country even though an economic crisis was being faced globally.

IN THE GALLERY

Protestors attending the anti-GST protest at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, May 1, 2014. — Photo by Yusof Mat Isa

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