‘GOVT AT STANDSTILL IF GST REPEALED’
It is source of funding for many development programmes, says Najib
PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday urged people not to be influenced by the opposition’s continuous criticism of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is the source of funding for many development programmes, including for women.
In reiterating the importance of GST, Najib said if its implementation was to be repealed, government operations would come to a standstill.
He also called on the public not to be easily fooled by the negative sentiments by the opposition on GST.
“The source of revenue has to come from somewhere.
“If we take away the RM42 billion (accumulated from GST) of the nation’s revenue, we will be at a standstill and the government will be dysfunctional.
“So don’t believe in the opposition because talk is cheap.
“As the prime minister, I can deliver what I promised.
“I’m not just saying this to make you feel better but I know what can be done and what is unrealistic,” he said during the National Women’s Day celebration at the Transformasi Nasional 2050 (TN50) dialogue here yesterday.
Present were Najib’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim.
In his speech, Najib said the government was committed to upholding gender equality and women’s development.
“Whatever we can do for the advancement of women, InsyaAllah, we will do it.
“For example, the gender equality law in this country, which was suggested by Rohani, is worth considering.
“We would not tolerate any form of discrimination against women.
“Any form of harassment and intimidation toward women must be dealt through appropriate laws and enforcement.”
Commenting on the much-anticipated 2018 Budget, the prime minister said he would be announcing “two or three matters in relation to women’s development”.
“I will announce two or three matters in the upcoming budget. I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag yet.”