Ahmad Maslan obeys PM's instructions on pre-paid card issue

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan will abide by the Prime Minister's instructions that the issue of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on pre-paid reload cards be handled by the Minister of Communications and Multimedia Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek (KKM).

"I will abide by the instructions of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and will not talk about the pre-paid cards," he told reporters when asked to comment on Najib's instructions Ahmad Shabery would handle the issue.

Earlier, Ahmad had visited the project site of Mydin's wholesale hypermarket in Jalan Baru here.

However, he maintained that he had never said that the GST would not be imposed on pre-paid cards and claimed he was misunderstood by several news portals.

"I have never said the top-ups would not have GST...not even once have I said the top-up would not have GST.

"I have been consistent from before...don't misquote me. I have to correct that," he said.

Asked about the statement by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) strategy director Sim Tze Tzin who said he should resign for failing to manage the pre-paid card issue, Ahmad said the post he held was upon the wishes of the Prime Minister and he had no right to question that.

Ahmad said he was mentally and physically prepared every day to face any criticisms and slander about the implementation of the GST.

"I hope the GST is better understood as we are facing many unethical traders. The GST is being marred by unethical traders," he said.

Ahmad called on the people to be more patient as the situation will stabilise and its effects will be felt in six months.

He pointed out that the price of cars had already gone down after the new tax system was implemented on April 1.

Ahmad also said the Customs Department had opened 45 investigation papers on the GST and several traders would be brought to court next week.