In order to put the brakes on the government’s intention to impose the goods and services tax (GST), the rakyat must vote BN out of power, said Pakatan Rakyat.

NONE“The people who don’t pay taxes are from the impoverished category.

“The reasoning given by the BN government in wanting to impose the GST is to widen the category of taxpayers (to include) the poor,” said the Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim.

Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Idris Jala had said it is likely that the GST will be implemented after the general election.

Idris argued that the GST would help broaden Malaysia’s tax base which is currently being held up by only 1.7 million taxpayers.

The minister added that corporate and personal taxes could also be reduced to enhance the competitiveness of products and services.

However, Anwar stressed that until the lower income range is upgraded, Pakatan will not accede to the measure.

“But the only way to defeat BN is in the general election,” he added.

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