PUTRAJAYA: The government upholds transparency and is ready to accept any criticism of the taxation system, provided that it is based on facts, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said criticism should be conveyed through the proper channels and not in the form of slander or verbal abuse.
“I noticed some university students complaining about electricity bill adjustments – I don’t understand.
“Electricity rates have not gone up, so is it true that they are affected? If it’s true, then we need to fix it because public universities are exempted,” he said in his speech at an assembly with staff from the Prime Minister’s Department.
“Such matters, when spread in the name of freedom, can become avenues for slander and verbal abuse. So I hope, brothers, sisters, younger friends or children, please provide facts. I have no issue with people complaining or offering criticism,” he said.
Anwar also said that the adjustment of electricity tariffs and the expansion of the sales and service tax (SST) were to ensure that those with greater financial means contribute a fairer share, while protecting segments of the population from undue financial pressure.
“If possible, we don’t want to burden the people with taxes. If there are one or two cases where people are affected, we can make improvements. However, to outright oppose the electricity (tariff) adjustment – I think that’s not right,” he said.
On June 9, the government announced a targeted review of the sales tax rate and the expansion of the service tax, to take effect on July 1.
On June 13 meanwhile, the Energy Commission announced that more than 23.6 million domestic users in Peninsular Malaysia would benefit from a fairer and more progressive electricity tariff structure, effective July 1, 2025 to Dec 31, 2027.
Source: https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/261473/government-open-to-factual-criticism-of-tax-system-says-anwar/