Rakyat will understand GST better when it is implemented — Ahmad Shabery

CYBERJAYA: The rakyat will only understand the importance of the goods and services tax (GST) when it is implemented on April 1, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

He said the negative perceptions about GST surfaced due to the lack of understanding on taxation, and the actions of a few irresponsible parties spreading false information on GST implications on the cost of living.

“A lot of things will be better understood once GST is implemented. Theoretically, it is difficult to grasp, just like driving a car.

“More so, it has been successfully implemented in 160 countries, including Islamic countries,” he said when commenting on the crowd who turned up to protest against GST at the Royal Malaysian Customs Department in Kelana Jaya on Monday.

Ahmad Shabery told reporters after officiating TSG International ( TSGi) Cyberport, Malaysia’s first data and network facility offering a wide spectrum of telecommunication options and full- service broadcasting capabilities, here yesterday.

He said people need to know that the fundamentals of the economy would be further strengthened through GST implementation as tax could be collected more efficiently, thus generating greater revenue and stimulating growth.

“Money earned are not for the government or leaders, but will be returned to the people. Every tax collection involved will be processed and returned to the rakyat.

“The rakyat demand for education, communication systems and better health. They will be angry if sewerage are not constructed, drains are not widened and education way below the expected level,” he said.

However, the Minister said people should also know that in order to meet these demands, the government needed money and by having GST tax system, it would increase national income.

“Millions of people who come to Malaysia to look for employment do not declare tax or pay tax at a rate lower than what it should be. Now, with the implementation of GST, they cannot get away from not paying tax,” he said. — Bernama