NURUL IZZAH: If the government itself riddles with inconsistencies and contradictory statements with GST, how do you expect the rakyat to escape profiteering?
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s call to boycott irresponsible traders exploiting consumers are scorned by Opposition members.
Najib yesterday told consumers not to purchase at shops that unlawfully impose Goods and Services Tax (GST) to show that consumers have the power to make a difference.
Batu MP Tian Chua (PKR), when contacted by Astro AWANI, rubbished the statement made by the Prime Minister.
When asked about the suggestion made by Najib, he questioned on whether it is possible to do so.
“How to reject? Every shop charges GST, everything has GST. I don’t understand what the PM is talking”.
He added that nothing is more ridiculous than the government calling the people to boycott those shops and products.
Meanwhile, Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah (PKR) said that recourse begins with responsible governance.
“If the government itself riddles with inconsistencies and contradictory statements with GST, how do you expect the rakyat to escape profiteering?” she asked.
She also told Astro AWANI that the government has initially announced GST at a four percent rate which was then changed to six.
“We were demanding for a meaningful exemption list- covering healthcare, medical equipments, medicine, education and books.
“The government has been ignoring demands and requests from stakeholders.
“But the government only decides to take the demand into consideration–re-exemption of all books – four days prior to the implementation of GST,” adding that such clear examples of irresponsible conduct erode the government’s moral authority and capability as ombudsman.
She also said that the people may boycott exploitative traders but what should they do when there's a predatory and profiteering government.
Prime Minister on Thursday replied to questions on several issues raised by various quarters, including concerns raised by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in a special interview session which was aired on Thursday night.
He said while addressing the issue of exploitative traders, “If they are not supposed to charge GST, please report to the ministry of domestic trade. Here lies the power of the consumer. We must know that we have the power.
“Firstly, we could choose any shop to buy goods or go to any eatery, we could choose. The irresponsible traders are the ones who raise prices unnecessarily, and then blame the government.
“Don't go to these shops. There are many other shops. Other alternative shops. Secondly, we must report to the ministry and the customs. So use our power as consumers. Sooner or later, those who exploit this situation will lose their buyers”.
Echoing what the Prime Minister has said, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan in his Twitter said: use the power of 3M–Memilih, Melapor & Memboikot. (Choose, report and boycott) Choose ethical shops and services. Report to the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK). Boycott the shops that take advantage of you.
- Source: Astro Awani
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