Anwar resists GST comeback, eyes selective levy fixes to reinforce SST ahead Budget 2027

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 18 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed reservations about reviving the Goods and Services Tax (GST) during a meeting with businesses and ministries ahead of the Budget 2027 announcement, set for October. However, the Finance Minister indicated a willingness to consider incorporating certain aspects of a consumption levy to enhance the Sales and Services Tax (SST).

Addressing reporters after the meeting, Anwar stated that his main concern with introducing GST alone is that it would impose a tax on everyone. Earlier in the dialogue, Anwar had stated that he had publicly advocated for GST as the most efficient tax system as early as the 1990s when he served as finance minister under the first Mahathir administration.