BY: NAZLI IBRAHIM
SHAH ALAM, JAN 15: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be abolished if the opposition coalition forms the Federal Government after the 14th General Election.
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) Chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the tax will be replaced by sales tax at a rate that is more affordable for the rakyat.
“GST will be abolished in stages and replaced with sales tax that is more suitable for the rakyat,” he said in a speech during the launch of PPBM at Malawati closed stadium.
In addition, Dr Mahathir also said that in order to return Malaysia as a democratic country that respects the rule of law, the rakyat must be free to report anyone, including government leaders, if they were involved in any criminal activity.
He said the new government will not be baised in implementing the country’s law and the prosecutors will not be able to list allegations or public and government agency reports under the Official Secrets Act to cover up anyone’s crime.
“Freedom of speech and the freedom for the media to report the truth will be upheld by the new government. Even so, the safety and peace of the general public and the nation will be taken into account in accordance to the rakyat’s wishes.
“Political freedoms will be respected by the opposition coalition government,” he said.
Dr Mahathir also suggested several steps to restore the country’s economy including how to shore up the ringgit without selling US dollars.
“We will invent more effective ways to restore our currency so that the rakyat is not pressured, especially those who have children studying abroad,” he said. Large-scale land buys by foreigners for settlements will be studied to determine the political impact on the country.
