Guan Eng: Putrajaya’s ‘cheap sale’ an admission of high prices

'Jualan Sentuhan Rakyat' for people to buy goods at prices below market value indicates GST has led to increase in prices, says Penang CM

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng urges public not to believe BN if it promises to revise the GST rate in its manifesto for GE14.

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng hit out at Putrajaya’s “Jualan Sentuhan Rakyat”, calling it proof that the high cost of living is due to the imposition of the goods and services tax (GST).

Lim said the “cheap sale” campaign by the federal government cannot hide the fact that the prices of goods were now high due to GST.

“By holding this campaign, it only goes to show that Putrajaya is admitting that the prices of goods are just too high now,” he said.

Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, was commenting on the recent “cheap sale” event held in Kepala Batas, which attracted thousands of people looking to purchase goods sold at discounted prices.

The sale, organised by the domestic trade, cooperatives and consumerism ministry, offered household items and groceries, including chicken and eggs, at prices below market value.

Lim said the “cheap sale” event would do little to win over Malaysians, who know that the implementation of GST had led to the increase in prices.

He also urged the public not to believe Barisan Nasional (BN) if it were to promise to revise the GST rate as one of its pledges for the 14th general election.

“There is no use revising the rate because as long as there is GST, prices of goods will continue to go up,” he said.

Lim also cited the GST rate in Singapore, which started off at 3% but has since increased to 9%, although reports have said the increase will only kick in sometime between 2021 and 2025.

“Singapore’s economy is good so they can afford it. We can’t afford it here,” the Bagan MP said. -FMT