Guan Eng laments fake news on GST abolition

GEORGE TOWN: Finance Minister designate Lim Guan Eng has lamented the use of fake news to sabotage the efforts of the new Pakatan Harapan government to ensure a smooth transition towards the formation of an effective federal government.
Responding to a viral news that the Goods and Services Tax would be abolished on June 1, Lim shook his head in disbelief, indicating that even at this juncture there are certain quarters out to use fake news or underhanded tactics to sow confusion and to implant a sense of fear.
Lim assured that Pakatan remains committed to fulfilling the pledges made in its manifesto, saying the atrocious Anti-Fake News legislation needs to be repealed.
He said that Pakatan's position on the law remains the same — it should go.
Lim told a press conference at his new Finance Ministry office in China Street Ghaut that news accounts should always be based on facts.
"It should be based on facts and just because we say something is true, it does not mean that it is true," said the former Penang Chief Minister.
He also said that he cannot make any formal decision nor comment on financial matters including the Goods and Services Tax (GST) until he was sworn - in.
"But of course we will abolish the GST. It is just that we have yet to be sworn in and do not have the power yet, therefore it cannot be implemented on the date that was agreed. We will do it in 100 — days but not on June 1."