GST – show me the money, show us our money

A GST notice is displayed at a supermarket in Shah Alam. Do expect the Government to continue broadening the GST base in the coming years – first by removing the exemption from the long list of exempted products and then when it is not able to balance its budgets again, to raise the percentage on a gradual basis. — EPA

WHY am I not surprised that the furore of the goods and services tax (GST) debate has now moved to the service tax? GST is a new tax. Service tax has been around for umpteen years and never disputed as consumers have a choice.

GST is a compulsory consumption tax and you have no choice but to pay as you consume.