Minister defends GST as good for people

Second Finance minister Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah has disputed critics against the controversial Goods and Services Tax to be implemented by Barisan Nasional after the next elections, saying various parties had given positive feedback on its implementation.

But pro-government national news agency Bernama quoted Husni as saying that the government would not rush the GST implementation pending “further discussion” and after the public were fully informed.

“So that they know and understand the GST. Only then, will we implement,” he added.

The GST has formed part of the many grouses highlighted by Pakatan Rakyat, whose historic weekend rally in Kuala Lumpur is being keenly interpreted by analysts to point at a possible defeat of BN at the coming general election.

The coalition insisted that priorities be given in eradicating leakages, wastages and corruption instead of boosting government income by introducing a new taxation system.

The GST bill was tabled for first reading in 2009, but the second reading scheduled in 2010 was postponed amid opposition to the move.

Husni meanwhile defended the GST as not burdensome to the public, saying the government would in return provide assistance.

Husni said he agreed with experts that GST could only be implemented when country’s economy surges, adding that it would take 12 to 18 months to get the system implemented after the bill passed in parliament.

“Again, because we are putting the ‘people first’, the government will not do so for the moment,” he added.

-Harakahdaily