DAP senator urges PM to intervene over Mitra's delay in disbursing funds

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim must intervene and resolve issues involving the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit's (Mitra) delay in disbursing funds to approved programmes, a DAP senator said.
Dr A Lingeshwaran said he was made to understand that 45 community-focused programmes endorsed by Mitra, valued at RM40 million under Phase 1 of Budget 2025, have yet to receive funds.
'These are not...

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Malaysians Need To Earn Average RM4000 To Introduce GST, Says Anwar

Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the reintroduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) remains unsuitable for now, citing the rakyat's low income threshold as a key concern. Speaking during the Finance Ministry's monthly assembly, Anwar explained that although GST is recognised as an efficient and transparent taxation mechanism, it imposes a comprehensive financial burden — particularly on low-income earners. 'We postponed (GST) because the income of the people was still too low. My opinion at the time was that people with an income of RM2,000 were still affected although we gave some exemptions,' he said. He highlighted how even though basic necessities such as sugar and rice may be exempt, GST still applies indirectly when people purchase other goods or use public transport. 'It is comprehensive,' he noted. The government, according to Anwar, would only revisit GST implementation when the average household income reaches a more reasonable level — at least RM4,000 a month. 'Let the people's income increase first… maybe at that time we can (implement it). Right now, there are people earning RM1,700 or RM2,000,' he said. For now, the government is focused on a more targeted Sales and Service Tax (SST) system. He said tax revenue collected through SST will be channelled into core public sectors such as education and healthcare. 'The allocation for the Ministry of Education from RM58 billion in 2024 has increased to RM64 billion this year. Similarly, for the Ministry of Health, RM41 billion last year… we are adding RM4 billion to make it RM45 billion,' Anwar said. GST was introduced on Apr 1, 2015, with a standard rate of 6%, but was later repealed on Sept 1, 2018, following widespread criticism over its impact on consumers, particularly those from lower income brackets. It was replaced with the SST system. On 9 June, the government announced a targeted review of the Sales Tax rate and an expanded scope for the Service Tax, effective 1 July, aimed at strengthening Malaysia's fiscal position by increasing revenue while protecting essential goods from new taxes. Stressing the importance of macroeconomic balance, Anwar also acknowledged a gap in policy communication. He urged government members to better explain ongoing fisc Related

Daily Express

3 hours ago

• Daily Express

Need to shield B40 from SST impact: Umno

Published on: Saturday, June 21, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 By: Abbey Junior Text Size: Suhaimi noted that Sabah remains one of the states most affected by development imbalance and income inequality — making it all the more urgent for the government to provide strong buffers against the impact of new taxes. Kota Kinabalu: With the full implementation of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) in Sabah just around the corner, the state government must explain what measures are in place to protect low-income groups from the expected rise in living costs. Sabah Umno information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir said the absence of clear strategies to assist vulnerable communities is worrying, especially as nearly 40pc of households in the state fall under the B40 category. 'Many depend on informal work or subsistence economies. The SST could erode their already limited purchasing power — particularly in rural areas,' said Suhaimi, who is also Libaran MP, in a statement on Friday (June 20). The tax rollout, set to begin on July 1, was introduced under Budget 2025 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Under the new framework, a 5pc–10pc sales tax will apply to selected non-essential goods, while the service tax is being extended to sectors such as rental and leasing, construction, finance, private healthcare, private education, and beauty services. Suhaimi noted that Sabah remains one of the states most affected by development imbalance and income inequality — making it all the more urgent for the government to provide strong buffers against the impact of new taxes. While he acknowledged the importance of SST in boosting national revenue, he said it must be balanced with fair and inclusive support policies to prevent it from becoming a burden to ordinary Sabahans. Advertisement He urged the state government to implement targeted subsidies, expand the scope of price controls on essential goods, and provide conditional cash assistance to help households cope. 'The revenue collected must be returned to the people through tangible improvements in rural infrastructure — such as roads, clinics, clean water, and internet coverage — especially in interior areas still left behind,' he said. 'Sabahans deserve transparency on how public funds are spent and how these measures directly benefit their daily lives. Trust is not built on slogans, but on action that prioritises those most in need.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

Malay Mail

4 hours ago

• Malay Mail

Anwar honours outgoing IGP and RMAF chief in farewell meetings

KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his appreciation to former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain for his service, contributions, and leadership during his tenure heading the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). In a Facebook post today, Anwar stated that he conveyed this during a farewell courtesy call from Razarudin this morning. 'I pray that Tan Sri Razarudin continues to be blessed with good health and the strength to continue contributing to the nation in any capacity. Thank you for your very meaningful service to the people and the country,' he said. Razarudin, who joined PDRM in 1982, was appointed as the 14th IGP for a two-year contract after his retirement, effective June 23, 2023, and will conclude his service this Sunday. Throughout his career, Razarudin held several important positions, including Head of Penang Criminal Investigation Department in 2016, Deputy Commissioner of Sabah Police (2016), Deputy Chief Police Officer of Perak (2018), Chief Police Officer of Perak (2019), Director of Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (2020), and Deputy Inspector-General of Police (2021). Earlier, Bukit Aman Special Branch Director Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail was appointed as the 15th IGP, replacing Razarudin, effective today. Meanwhile, in a separate post, Anwar also stated that he had received a farewell courtesy call from the Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, who will retire on June 26. 'My highest appreciation for all his sacrifices, services, and excellent leadership in the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM). I pray that Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan will be blessed with prolonged good health and that the spirit of patriotism he displayed throughout his service will inspire the next generation to continue serving and defending our beloved homeland,' he said. Mohd Asghar Khan, who was appointed as the RMAF Chief on March 7, 2022, began his career in the Malaysian Armed Forces on July 18, 1983, as a cadet officer at the Royal Military College and started his career as an RMAF fighter pilot in 1985. Known by his call sign 'Gunjiz,' he also made history by becoming the first RMAF Chief to fly the Su-30MKM 'Toruk Makto' aircraft in an airshow at the recent Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA '25). — Bernama