PERMATANG PAUH, April 25 – Mindful that the recently-implemented Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be used as a tool against Barisan Nasional for the Permatang Pauh by-election, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said BN is prepared to face it. He said it was a decision made by the BN government for the benefit of the country and the people in the long run.
He however said the government was constantly looking for ways to ensure the people are not burdened by the move. “The government has decided to implement the GST … this is a very brave decision. “There are bound to be teething problems for a start and dissatisfaction among the people.
“But, we will take this opportunity to go all out to explain to the people to ensure they fully understand the country’s new taxation system,” he told reporters after nomination for the Permatang Pauh by-election here this morning. Muhyiddin also he was aware that there were various quarters out there who were taking advantage from the implementation of the GST.
“I want the authorities to act on them quickly,” he added. The Permatang Pauh by-election was called after incumbent Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was disqualified as a member of parliament after the Pardons Board rejected a petition for a royal pardon sought by the opposition leader’s family over his sodomy conviction. Suhaimi is engaged in a four-corner fight with PKR’s Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, PRM member Azman Shah Othman and independent Salleh Isahak. Polling has been fixed for May 7.
