Vocal DAP leader Ariff Sabri has cautioned the Malays against supporting the goods and services tax (GST), saying they must not be " dilembukan " (led by the nose).

"The Malays must be aware and wise. If the people, especially the Malays back GST, this will prove they are ' lembab ' (dim)," the Raub MP ( left ) added in his blog.

Ariff said that when there was a proposal to abolish the Automated Enforcement System (AES) and cancel the summonses, Umno and Malay groups protested, when the "AES spoils are enjoyed by the Malay elite".

He also reminded the Malays that the top 20 percent of Malays raked in an average annual income of RM10,666, while the 40 percent in the middle RM4,123 and the 40 percent at the bottom RM1,686.

"Don't forget this," he stressed.

                    

Ariff also noted that it was the Malays who protested against the suggestion to provide free education until the tertiary level and the abolishment of the National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) loans.                

"Are the Malays so rich, drawing huge incomes? They are adamant on paying for something even when it is provided for free. What rice do these Malays eat?

"And now when the GST is to be implemented, the people, especially the Malays, want to support it. What is wrong with them?" he added.

Ariff said the GST would only serve to profit the government and ensure that its revenue increased.

"But what about your income?" he asked, adding that the GST would create additional burden for the people, especially those from the low-income group.

The Raub MP also called on the people to come in droves to support the anti-GST rally at Dataran Merdeka today and not to be afraid of the police.

He also took Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to task for warning the rally organisers and participants of stern action.

"Zahid cannot threaten the rakyat. Government leaders like Zahid must remember that theirs is a government supported by only 47 percent of voters.

"The BN government won (the last general election) on technicalities.

"From a moral standpoint, they lost," Ariff said, referring to the fact that Pakatan Rakyat secured more of the popular votes in the last polls.