MIRI: “This is heartening”, said Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip in response
to the recent press report as saying that the PH government is considering to re-implement GST.
“It is also significant that this suggestion came from no other than Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir himself,” he added.
He pointed out that the federal government must have realised along the way that replacing GST with SST was a mistake.
“The introduction of GST took over two years after undergoing an engagement process with various stakeholders.
“Many aspects of the system were refined during the engagement. Experts believed GST was a viable and equitable tax regime.
“While SST is hatched as part of PH’s 14th general election manifesto, the engagement with various stakeholders was not extensive,” said Talib.
After a year of its implementation, he reckoned that it was good of PH to realise and admit that SST has its flaws.
“Their willingness to reconsider GST must also be lauded. The major thing left to do is the sincere reintroduction of GST, without the normal political posturing,” he said.
