GST protest: Kita Lawan secretariat expects one million turnout on May 1

The “Kita Lawan” secretariat which comprises of political parties, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), professionals and students will organize a GST protest rally on May 1 in Kuala Lumpur.

Although no specific location has yet to be chosen, the rally is targeting one million Malaysians nationwide.

Coordinator of the Keadilan Youth Strategy Akmal Nasir, 39, said the 'Kita Lawan' secretariat will devote all its strength and together with the cooperation from various parties ensure the targeted number of Malaysians join the rally.

He said the rally is to demand the recently implemented of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to be abolished with immediate effect.

"The young people are of the opinion that the GST is unjust. For the rich, this is merely another tax that has replaced the current service tax rate but with a reduced amount for those high income earners.

"Meanwhile for ordinary citizens, this tax would only burden those who were previously unable to pay income tax," said Akmal in a press conference on Friday at the Wui Leng Association of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Building.

He said there was a lot of confusion and unpreparedness among businesses and consumers on the implementation of GST.

"What is even unfortunate is that, many people become victims of extreme price hike," he said.

The press conference was also attended by Members of the Legislative Assembly (ADUN) Semambu Lee Chean Chung, Simpang Pulai assemblyman Tan Kar Hing, and activist Mandeep Singh.

About 56 NGOs will participate in the rally including Perak Green Pioneers, Solidariti Anak Muda Perak, Buku Jalanana, Frinjan, Ameerah Muslimat PAS and Angkatan Bahaman.

Akmal at the same time said 'Kita Lawan' will announce its base for the #PecatIGP campaign as Dataran Kita Lawan on Wednesday (March 8, 2015).