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

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 18 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his reservations about bringing back the Goods and Services Tax during discussions with businesses and ministries ahead of the Budget 2027, which is scheduled for October. However, Anwar, who serves as the Finance Minister, indicated that he is willing to consider certain aspects of the consumption levy if it aids in enhancing the Sales and Services Tax.

"We are open to exploring methods to improve the tax system," he stated to reporters following the engagement session at the Finance Ministry. "But when we discuss GST exclusively, my concern, as I have consistently emphasized, is that it entails taxing everyone." Earlier in the dialogue, Anwar had expressed his opinion publicly that GST is the most effective tax system since the 1990s, when he was finance minister under the first Mahathir administration.