GST more well-received now, says Najib

PUTRAJAYA, May 31 — Although it was heavily criticised when it was implemented on April 1 last year, more people have now accepted the Goods and Services Tax (GST) after realising that it saved the national economy, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said the implementation of the GST was seen as an unpopular decision by the government and it was used as a political weapon, but economic experts feel that it was the most appropriate step by the government.

With the global economic uncertainty and without the GST, Malaysia would have faced a very serious economic crisis like Greece, he said.

“Generally, we are not a government that runs away from the responsibility of implementing any decision which is thought to be right for the nation and the people.

“However, our good and noble intentions were misunderstood by certain parties and made into a political issue, whereas rationally-speaking, it was something that could not be avoided. The strong national revenue contributed to a resilient economy which ensured the welfare of the people could be continued to be looked after,” he said. — Bernama