GST manipulated by Opposition - Mohamad Hasan

He said those who disliked the GST had vested interest and had been living 'luxuriously' under the Sales and Service Tax (SST), which could be manipulated.

He said they could avoid paying the high SST charge of 16 per cent and did not make declarations to the government but hoarded SSP charges which they collected from the public.

"It is people like these who are angry and are spreading slander because when GST is implemented on April 1, they will not be able to collect (GST), and if they do collect, they have to give back to the government," added Mohamad.

He was speaking to reporters after a friendly gathering with Negeri Sembilan Special Affairs Department (JASA) personnel here today. Also present was JASA director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi.

"It has nothing to do with the ordinary people and villagers. The definition of GST is the same as VAT or Value Added Tax as implemented in Hong Kong and Great Britain.

"Taxes are only imposed for value-added goods while essential items of daily needs are not taxed," he said.

Mohamad reiterated that those who were worried about GST implementation only had vested interest, and were able to take advantage and benefitted from the weaknesses of SST.

"These are the people who instigate the people daily by saying GST is not good.

"These are the people with agenda and interest in the old SST because they know the GST system is proven in 168 countries worldwide for its transparency and could not be manipulated by anyone.

"So, their period of luxury will end soon. They are the ones often issuing (false) information and slandering the government by saying GST will burden the people," he said.