{
  "id": 19610691,
  "title": "Anwar rejects GST calls, says tax would burden all Malaysians, including low-income earners",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/anwar-rejects-gst-calls-says-tax-would-burden-all-malaysians",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-12T06:20:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/11/12/anwar-rejects-gst-calls-says-tax-would-burden-all-malaysians-including-low-income-earners/242958"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim dismissed calls to reintroduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST), arguing that such a step would place an undue tax burden on all Malaysians, particularly low-income earners, according to the available wire material.\n\nHe contended that the Madani government retained the Sales and Services Tax (SST) as the nation's tax system because GST was a more comprehensive tax affecting not just businesses but also low-income earners, while SST was primarily focused on the business sector. Anwar explained that although a small portion of SST was passed on to consumers, GST was more extensive.\n\nThe Prime Minister, who is also the Finance Minister, highlighted that approximately 2,000 goods and services were exempt from SST, compared to fewer than 750 under GST. Anwar disputed claims that reinstating GST would lead to increased government revenue, noting that SST currently contributed 3.2% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the same proportion as GST revenue in 2017.\n\nHe emphasized that SST would remain the country's tax framework, subject to adjustments to address any instances of double taxation and improve the existing system. Anwar stated that the government remained open to amendments to SST but was not rigid in its economic principles.\n\nAdditionally, Anwar suggested that a review of GST should only be contemplated when the minimum income of the people reached at least RM4,000, ensuring that the broad-based tax would not unduly burden lower-income groups. He argued that the high cost of living continues to be a burden on the populace, and until incomes rose to a reasonable level, reintroducing GST would not be appropriate.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said those advocating the reintroduction of the Goo...",
  "key_points": [
    "Anwar rejects GST reintroduction, citing burden on low-income earners",
    "Madani government retains SST, views GST as more comprehensive tax",
    "SST currently contributes 3.2% to GDP, similar to GST revenue in 2017"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing the Sales and Services Tax over the Goods and Services Tax protects lower-income households from broader consumption levies while the government focuses on raising national minimum income levels.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malaysiakini",
        "title": "Anwar: Only 'towkays' want GST as it shifts tax burden to consumers",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/anwar-only-towkays-want-gst-as-it-shifts-tax-burden-to-consumers",
        "published": "2026-11-12T04:53:38.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}