The 'face of GST’ retires as Customs DG after 35 years of service

PUTRAJAYA: After a remarkable 35 years in service, Datuk Seri Subromaniam Tholasy (pic) is finally retiring from the Customs Department.

The Customs director-general's last official day of work is Saturday (March 9), and he was given a grand ceremonial send off at the department’s headquarters here on Friday (March 8).

The man, who was once known as “the face of GST”, said his proudest achievement as the Customs chief was the successful transition from the Goods and Services Tax regime to the current Sales and Services Tax (SST) system.

“I would say it is my greatest achievement so far. It was not easy to change to the SST in a short amount of time after the new government took over.
“But, it was made a success without much problems, thanks to the commitment of all the staff in the department, as well as the Finance Ministry,” said Subromaniam at a press conference before his farewell ceremony.
Subromaniam said the department is confident of surpassing the government’s target of RM22bil in collection from the SST this year.

“We are confident we can get more than what the government targeted, although I cannot say what the figure will be now. But from the current collection, it looks like we are on track to earn more than expected.

Subromaniam was the former GST director and he oversaw the implementation of the GST in April 2015.

He was then appointed the Customs director-general on March 24, 2017, replacing Datuk Seri Khazali Ahmad, who retired.

Before the event, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said the Customs Department will for now be helmed by its deputy director-general, Datuk Paddy Abd Halim.

“The official appointment of the new director-general will be made by the Public Service Commission (SPA),” said Lim.- Star