SEBERANG JAYA – Barisan Nasional (BN) intends to bring back the Goods and Services Tax (GST) after the 16th General Election (GE16), positioning the move as necessary to secure fairer taxation and more sustainable national revenue.
BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said while the coalition allowed the current Sales and Services Tax (SST) system to continue for now, GST remains the preferred long-term tax framework for the country.
“BN’s position is to bring back GST. For now, we are giving SST room to continue, with about two years remaining.
“After GE16, GST, which we see as the most effective tax regime, should be reintroduced so that the people can benefit from greater allocations and a fairer system regardless of economic background,” he said when officiating the 17th Annual General Meeting of Makkal Sakti here on Sunday.
Zahid said GST would provide the government with stronger and more stable revenue, enabling more consistent assistance to be channelled to the public across all income groups.
He added that GST was widely practised globally, with more than 155 countries having adopted the system, while Malaysia was among a small number of countries still relying on SST.
He also said GST offers a more transparent and equitable taxation framework, ensuring fairness for all segments of society regardless of income level.
Zahid also acknowledged that SST was introduced following earlier political commitments, but said future economic demands require a more comprehensive and resilient taxation system.
“For the sustainability of the national economy and the well-being of the people, we need a stronger tax structure. GST offers that strength,” he said.