No GST for now, it would burden the poor, says Anwar

No GST for now, it would burden the poor, says Anwar

PETALING JAYA: The government is not ready to reintroduce the goods and services tax (GST), says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

He said GST is a broad-based tax that would affect all segments of society, particularly the poor, Bernama reported.

Anwar said GST is applied uniformly to all consumers, regardless of income, including fishermen, smallholders and street cleaners.

“GST taxes everybody. It is efficient and straightforward, just 6% across the board.

“But why should the poor and the unemployed be taxed as well?” he said when closing the Perak Madani Rakyat Programme 2025 in Lumut today.

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Anwar said although the opposition had suggested GST as a better option, the government had chosen to postpone its implementation to avoid burdening the people, who are still struggling with the rising cost of living.

“That’s why we say we’re not ready for GST.

“If, one day, the economy improves and the minimum wage reaches RM4,000 or more, then by all means, implement GST.

“But for now, I’m calling for it to be postponed. Don’t turn it into a political issue,” he said.