BARISAN Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition will demand that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) be re-introduced by the national unity Madani government for the next general election.
It is about time that GST is reintroduced as it a fairer and efficient tax regimen compared to the present Sales and Services Tax (SST), where there are now mounting complaints about it, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid, the Deputy Prime Minister I, said.
He said that over 150 nations have adopted GST compared to just eight, who remain entrenched with the SST taxation policy.
GST is seen as more efficient because it charges tax at every stage of the supply chain from manufacturer to wholesaler to retailer and consumer.
Business owners can claim refunds if they prove that they have already paid GST somewhere in the supply chain, so this prevents cascading tax (taxing on top of another tax); this increases cost unjustly under SST.
Ahmad Zahid said this after Makkal Sakti president Datuk Seri R.S. Thanenthiran made the proposal at the party's 17th annual general meeting (AGM) in Penang.
Ahmad Zahid also expects the 16th election to be called in less than two years, saying that the coalition is expecting the Malacca state election in eight months and Johor in about 10 months.
To prepare for it, Ahmad Zahid said that the unity government must fulfil majority of the promises made in their respective manifestos.
Ahmad Zahid said on January 10, all cabinet ministers would meet for a retreat and a brainstorming session as part of the mid - term review of the unity government's performance and delivery system.
He said that although the coalition comprises of many other minor allegiances from Pakatan Harapan to BN to GRS and GPS, as well as Parti Warisan in some regard, there are many common stances, which must be fulfilled to the voters.
They include areas such as education and security.
Ahmad Zahid also spoke about his passion to free the now imprisoned former premier Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, saying that it is up to the wisdom and prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to grant the latter a royal pardon.
It has happened before and Najib had already served time for his alleged offences, said Ahmad Zahid.
He said that he is determined to free Najib, whom he regarded as a friend for life. - December 21, 2025.
