SHAH ALAM, 7 Apr: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when he was the Finance Minister, wanted the Federal Government to look into fairer taxation and to not oppress the low-income earners.
The Chief Minister, Mohamed Azmin Ali, dismissed allegations by Datuk Shamsuddin Lias (BN-Sungai Burong) who said that Anwar agreed to the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST) at that time.
Mohamed Azmin (PKR-Bukit Antarabangsa), during the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) session today also red the Parliament Hansard dated October 30, 1992, to support the matter submitted by Anwar.
“It mentioned that it was time to introduce a more efficient and transparent tax structure which is modern by combining the sales and services tax into one consumption tax.
“Anwar said that the tax implemented will not burden the low-income earners, therefore several plans were exempt and everyone was invited to discuss.
“So not simply imitate other countries in implementing the GST. We must have our own model that is subject to the national economic strength and does not pressure the lower class,” said Mohamed Azmin.
Mohamed Azmin also questioned the move by the Federal Government which did not implement the Capital Gains Tax.
“If they wanted to follow 162 foreign countries, why did the Federal Government not implement the Capital Gains Tax and provide services such as free healthcare and education in line with countries that implemented the GST.
“But in Malaysia, we do not have programmes that return to the people after the GST is charged,” he said.
Mohamed Azmin expects for the GST rate to be increased from six percent to a higher figure, looking at the extravagance and leakages of Putrajaya’s administration.
NS
