Opposition leaders have challenged government ministers to a four versus four debate whether or not the goods and services tax (GST) should be implemented on April 1.

 

The challengers are Sungai Siput MP Dr Michael Jeyakumar ( left ) of PSM, Klang MP Charles Santiago of DAP, PAS central committee member Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Blindspot co-founder Azlan Awang

 

The government can decide to field two ministers or deputy ministers each from the Finance Ministry, and the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, and Consumerism Ministry, Jeyakumar told Malaysiakini .

 

"They should decide among themselves who can best put forward their case," he added.

 

He said his group proposes the debate be held at Malaysiakini 's office @Kini, on March 17.

 

Invitations for the ministers to debate were sent today and received by the Finance Ministry's deputy corporate strategy and communications secretary, Suhaili Ahmad.

 

"If they want a different date, or venue, we are quite prepared - as long as it is open to the press and public, and it is before Apr 1," said the PSM lawmaker.

 

Should they refuse to attend, Jeyakumar said the debate will still continue, like an ex-parte trial, with the public judging whether or not the implementation of GST should be postponed.

 

"If one side doesn't want to come, then we will have an ex-parte decision made by the Malaysian public," he explained.

 

The forthcoming six percent GST will be replacing the sales and services tax on April 1.