Stop burdening the poor, tax the rich
Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman. Photo by Mohd Halim Abdul Wahid/SINAR
SHAH ALAM – Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has urged the government to prioritise progressive taxation on the ultra-wealthy, rather than continuing to impose new taxes that disproportionately affect the middle and lower-income groups.
Commenting on the government's move to expand the Sales and Services Tax (SST), Syed Saddiq criticised what he described as a reversal of Pakatan Harapan's earlier promises. The expanded SST, which will come into effect on July 1, has triggered concern, particularly among young people and middle-income households already feeling the pressure of rising living costs. - Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily
'My hope is for the government to focus on implementing progressive taxes on the ultra-rich, instead of introducing new consumption taxes that impact everyone, especially the middle class and lower-income earners. That should be the first priority,' he said when met after a programme titled What Are Syed Saddiq's Plans Moving Forward? at the Karangkraf headquarters.
The expanded SST, which will come into effect on July 1, has triggered concern, particularly among young people and middle-income households already feeling the pressure of rising living costs.
Syed Saddiq stressed that if the government chooses to proceed with these tax measures, it must ensure that the additional revenue is used transparently and benefits the public directly.
'If this government is firm on its decision, it must prove that the additional burden placed on the B40 and M40 groups leads to real, visible improvements.
'People should see more schools, better facilities and an upgraded public transport system.
"If the benefits of these taxes aren't felt by the Rakyat, then clearly, the money isn't going where it should,' he said.
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