Najib: Introducing SST a double whammy

KUALA LUMPUR: Prices of items have largely remained the same since the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was zero-rated, and re-introducing the Sales and Services Tax (SST) will only increase prices.
Former premier Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak described the impending implementation of the SST as a double whammy, claiming the rakyat would eventually bear the brunt of the rising cost of items.
Najib pointed out that many among the public were disappointed that the cost of living had remained largely the same since the change of government on May 9, claiming Pakatan Harapan's (PH) promise of reducing the cost of living may not be achieved.
"The zero-rating of GST has not brought the desired impact that PH would have wished for, and the addition of SST will only burden the rakyat more.
"They are sceptical and worried that SST would further increase prices by 10% for goods and 6% for services.
"So what PH promised previously to reduce cost of living, they won't be able to achieve it," he told reporters after attending the officiating ceremony of the 14th Session of the Dewan Rakyat, here today.
The implementation of SST will be one of the main talking points of the current parliament session, with the act expected to be tabled, debated and likely implemented by the end of the sitting.
GST was introduced by the Barisan Nasional (BN) government on April 1, 2018 to replace SST, which they claimed had become outdated.
Najib pointed out that while several items, such as cars, have seen price reduction since PH zero-rated GST, prices of most other goods and services remained the same, if not higher.
Najib added that he would speak more on the matter in parliament, and asked that the media and public remain patient until he tables his opinion.
PH had in its election manifesto promised to repeal GST as part of its 10 promises in 100 days.