KUALA LUMPUR: Although reportedly on extended leave, Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli (pic) remains active in addressing issues raised by the Opposition through his official social media platforms.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Rafizi responded to claims regarding federal tax collection, dismissing allegations that the Federal Government marginalises Opposition-led states like Kelantan.
He described these accusations as recycled rhetoric by PAS and Perikatan Nasional aimed at fuelling anti-government sentiment, Bernama reported.
“PAS and Perikatan’s most effective campaign tactic involves accusing the Federal Government of sidelining them, claiming that taxes collected from Opposition states are not returned in the form of development funds.
“This narrative has escalated, with the Pasir Puteh MP now demanding that PAS be allowed to collect Kelantan’s taxes, which are currently under federal jurisdiction,” Rafizi said, referring to Datuk Dr Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh.
Rafizi clarified that federal taxes comprise business and individual income tax, or sales tax linked to commercial activity, and questioned Kelantan’s capacity to independently collect equivalent revenue.
“If Kelantan were to collect its own taxes as suggested by PAS, would that solve the state’s development issues? Would the KB Sentral bus terminal be completed? Would the water supply problems be resolved? What is the actual estimated tax revenue from Kelantan if the state were to collect those taxes itself?” he said.
Rafizi, who is also PKR deputy president, added that if the Kelantan government fails to create an investment-friendly business environment and generate quality, well-paying jobs, it is uncertain whether the state could secure prosperity for its people.
“Even if they were to collect the taxes currently under federal jurisdiction, the revenue might not be sufficient to cover the state’s development expenditure, which is now being borne by the Federal Government.
“That is why it is better to compete based on our ability to drive economic growth, rather than stoking sentiment by claiming that the Federal Government is victimising Opposition-led states,” he said.
