GST comeback?
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Key Highlights
GST comeback?
Zuraida's replacement
Anti-hopping law update
GST comeback?
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's indication that the government is mulling the reintroduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has prompted a debate on the way forward.
The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) backed the proposal but suggested a rate of four percent, which is two percent lower than when it was first introduced in 2015 before being abolished by the Pakatan Harapan government in 2018.
However, DAP's Liew Chin Tong maintained that the GST is not a silver bullet for the cash-strapped government. Instead, he said, economic restructuring is required.
Meanwhile, Royal Malaysian Customs Department director-general Subromaniam Tholasy acknowledged there were weaknesses when the GST was introduced in 2015 and suggested increasing the threshold so that small businesses like grocery stores won't be liable.
When GST was implemented in 2015, many small-time grocery stores operated by senior citizens who could not manage the complexities of the tax system ended up closing shop.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | Priority should be to solve economic woes. |
 | He tells those pushing for GE to stay in their lane. |
 | Minister claims he was not the only one. |
Zuraida's replacement
Bersatu's Wan Saiful Wan Jan and Mas Ermieyati Samsudin are among the candidates being considered to replace Zuraida Kamaruddin as the plantation industries and commodities minister.
Other names being mooted are Alor Gajah MP Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof and Terengganu Bersatu head Razali Idris.
However, there is no guarantee that Bersatu will have its way as Zuraida has yet to resign as minister despite quitting Bersatu to join PBM.
Zuraida said she will discuss her future in the cabinet with Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob ”soon”.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | The suspect is reportedly detained in Kota Bharu. |
 | The letter also seeks a lesser offence for his son. |
 | Bangladesh informed of measures. |
Anti-hopping law update
With only a month away from the next Dewan Rakyat sitting, the planned anti-party hopping law is still progressing slowly.
De facto Law Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the cabinet has looked at the draft legislation and wanted the special select committee in charge of the bill to review it.
Wan Junaidi also revealed that the draft law will not cover MPs who are sacked by their parties or parties which switch coalitions.
The next Dewan Rakyat sitting begins on July 18.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | The High Court allows Momoh’s judicial review. |
 | One problem is that it is only seen as a 'women's issue'. |
 | Ringgit expected to remain stable, he says. |
What else is happening?
MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed that French authorities are seeking mutual legal assistance (MLA) with Malaysia with regard to alleged corruption involving a French firm's Malaysian subsidiary in the MRT and LRT projects.
Ikatan Guru-Guru Muslim Malaysia filed an appeal against the judgment of the High Court in Kota Bharu which ruled that vernacular schools are constitutional.
Price control for chicken and eggs will be extended until the end of this month amid a shortage of supply. The current subsidy scheme for chicken farmers is also being abolished after complaints that the system was not working as it was too complicated.
HIGHLIGHTS
 | Cases include face mask procurement. |
 | School-Based Assessment (PBS) to be enhanced. |
 | Her organisation focuses on children from low and middle-income families. |
What are people saying?
 | By S Thayaparan |
 | By P Gunasegaram |
 | By Malaysiakini readers |
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