KUALA LUMPUR: Political parties should work towards an agreed tax framework that remains in place regardless of a change in government, says Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin.
Radzi (PN-Putrajaya) said the country could not afford continued uncertainty over its tax system, with businesses questioning whether the Sales and Service Tax (SST), Goods and Services Tax (GST) or a hybrid model would form the basis of future taxation.
“Businesses are scratching their heads over a tax system that keeps changing.
“If the SST is changed to a hybrid system, what would it look like?
“If we switch to GST, can GST reporting and e-invoice reporting be combined? Would there be a single, more comprehensive reporting system?” he said when debating Budget 2027.
The former education minister suggested that political parties and leaders set aside their differences to agree on a tax framework that best serves the interests of the nation and its people.
“We could consider an unconventional approach.
“It may not be SST, it may not be GST, or it could be any approach that we all agree on, so that whichever government comes to power, the basic tax system remains in place,” he said.
Radzi added that the government should adopt a more open approach to discussing the country’s tax framework and share data on the previous implementation of GST and the current SST system.
“With a clear system in place, any government can raise or lower tax rates, or expand or narrow the scope, within a clear and transparent basic tax framework.
“I will personally write to the Finance Minister to request the data needed for us to discuss this matter professionally and openly, for the future of Malaysia,” he said.
