Pua slams Bung for twisting his words

DAMANSARA MP Tony Pua has hit out at Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin for twisting his words that prices of goods will be cheaper due to the implementation of the Sales and Service Tax (SST).

Pua, who is special officer to the Finance Minister, said his statement was taken out of context and reiterated that prices of goods would be cheaper now compared to when the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was implemented.

“What I said was backed up by data from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, showing that prices have been reduced under SST compared to GST,” he said.

The shouting match between the two erupted when the Kinabatangan MP interjected Datuk Johari Abdul (PH-Sungai Petani) who was debating Budget 2019 to ask about a video that had gone viral on social media purportedly showing Pua claiming that prices of items have gone down due to the implementation of SST.

“As you all can see, the prices of the items did not go down, this is the budget (prepared by) Damansara and was just read by Bagan MP,” said Bung Moktar.

Johari responded that perhaps some lawmakers did not go down to the ground to check the real situation and the latest prices of goods following the implementation of SST.

“The prices of goods have gone down unless you live lavishly in London or you go to hotels only.

“This is because you do not live like us who go to the pasar (market) everyday. You can ask anyone,” added Johari.

Bung Moktar who was not happy with the reply threw a challenge to Johari to go to the market with him.

“Let us go there together. Even if I go overseas, I will go to their pasar, not their supermarkets,” he said.