Deputy Finance Minister Ahmad Maslan today advised Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin and academician Mohamad Agus Yusof to learn more about the goods and services tax (GST) before calling him "stupid".

"I want to recommend Agus and Asri ( right ) to learn more about the GST before calling me stupid," he said at a press conference in Permatang Pauh today.

Ahmad said this in response to the duo who had criticised him after he said that former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad did not understand the tax system.

"Asri and Agus do not understand the GST just like how Mahathir does not understand the GST.

"I hope Mahathir's advisers will inform him the truth about the GST [...] do not give him the wrong information."

Explaining that the GST decreased six of the rakyat's taxes, Ahmad believes Mahathir, Asri and Agus will agree with the GST if they knew the full picture.

Earlier today, Mahathir had said Ahmad (left) did not know anything about finance.

"I do not know what he is talking about," said the ex-premier.

Meanwhile, Ahmad said those who had criticised him did not necessarily have to learn about the GST from him.

“Not necessarily. It’s enough if you just take a look at the (necessary) websites,” he said.

After the press conference, Ahmad lamented to reporters on how he is called "stupid".

"I never call anyone stupid, you know," said Ahmad, who was then consoled by the media personnel.

Asri had asked whether the “less intelligent” can be given important posts such as that of a cabinet member.

The mufti said this after Ahmad said Mahathir did not understand the GST.

Agus ( right ), on the other hand, had recommended a debate session between Ahmad and Mahathir.

He also said that he believes that the GST did not decrease the price of goods, despite Ahmad's claims.

"Who, really, does not understand?" Agus said in a Facebook post last weekend.

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