Malaysia needs a truly progressive tax system

RECENTLY, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that Barisan Nasional would look at reinstating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) after the next general election, describing it as the most effective tax system to ensure fairness and boost government revenue. He added that GST “allows the people to feel that the tax system is fair.”

I believe a truly fair tax system is one that ensures high earners and the wealthy, namely the T20, corporate class and large foreign investors, contribute a lot more than the average citizens through higher corporate taxes and wealth and inheritance taxes. This is only fair, given their high socioeconomic status in society compared to everyone else.