Public 'emotionally affected' by Ahmad Maslan's statement on GST - psychologist
Astro Awani
April 16, 2015 16:37 MYT
April 16, 2015 16:37 MYT
Ahmad Maslan says he is ready physically and mentally for criticisms over the implementation of the GST. -Filepic
Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan's recent statements over the Goods and Services Tax (GST) had inevitably affected a majority of Malaysians, said Public Service Department (JPA) deputy director of Psychology Management Division Dr Abdul Jalil Hassan.
This is a normal process and added that it will take a while for the public to return to their usual state, he said to Astro AWANI, Thursday.
"It is normal when one is overwhelmed with stress, they will express their dissatisfaction, but it is just temporary."
Many Malaysians took to Twitter and Facebook, expressing their unhappiness following several statements made by Ahmad in regards to the implementation of GST.
Ahmad had later said called on all quarters to stop manipulating his proposal.
Meanwhile, Abdul Jalil said Ahmad's advice will take time to sink in.
“It’s like a father advising his child. When the child is young, he may not understand his father's advice and will rebel and refuse to abide. But, when the child grows up and becomes successful, he will recall the advice which brought him the success. It certainly takes time," he said.
He added that despite seen as a scapegoat, Ahmad should be discouraged to continue as a bridge between the government and the people on the issue.
“The people are emotional but this has to be channeled properly as to avoid the negative impact in the future. Ahmad should be wise to overcome the pressure and continue to provide explanation on GST related issues,” he said.
A newspaper today reported that Ahmad has forgiven those who criticized him over the GST issue.
"I'm prepared mentally and physically but for some parties, please be fair - do not say my mother is a pig, do not say I died last night. It’s too much.
"According to the Customs Department, the implementation of GST will take at least six months to be fully stable, so I'm ready to be criticised during this period. But I hope the operations will be stable in the next three months," he was quoted.