GST is forbidden, says PAS Ulama

PAS Ulama Council secretary Datuk Nik Zawawi Salleh said today that the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 'haram' (forbidden) and against the principles of Islamic syariah.

Nik Zawawi said, at a time when the country is facing pressing concerns including leakages and corruption, it is inappropriate to impose such tax on Malaysians.

“Although Islam permits tax collection, GST is like robbing the people but in this country it is haram to tax the people especially when the country is faced with leakages and corruption," he told reporters during the 'Himpunan Derita Rakyat (HINDAR)' on Saturday.

According to Nik Zawawi, in Singapore even though the government also implements GST, but they 'repay' it by having efficient public transportation services and cheaper cars.

Besides that, he said natural resources are in an abundant in the county and the ruling government could use the incomes from these sources to finance the nation.

"We, in the Dewan Ulama do not blindly oppose it, but the GST is a taxing system that's unsuitable to be implemented in our country," he said.

Nik Zawawi also said that he is willing to debate with any party, including ministers or the mufti concerning the GST.

"I want to conclude that in our country, the implementation of GST is haram. And I'm willing to confront anyone in our country including scholars... I am willing to face them, but it has to be aired on television," he said.

Asked why the Dewan Ulama decided to oppose the GST and not the previous taxes like the Sales and Services Tax (SST), he said the previous taxes were not too burdening compared to GST.

"And we feel that it is the responsibility of the Ulama Council to explain about GST according to the Islamic law," he said.

Meanwhile, he also suggested that the government should be more aggressive in attracting foreign investors from ASEAN countries to invest in this country instead of imposing GST.

Also present at the gathering of about 2,000 people were PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang; PAS Deputy President Mohamad Sabu, Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob and PAS acting Dewan Ulama deputy chief Datuk Dr Mahfodz Mohamed.