SIBU: Sibu MP Oscar Ling Chai Yew said the proposed implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) at seven per cent would further burden the people, particularly the low income group.
He said the rural folk were already facing severe hardships in getting their basic needs and the GST would only aggravate their condition.
“I promise to voice out this issue during the coming parliamentary session,” he said, adding that the people should voice out in unison their dissatisfaction on the GST.
According to him, the 40 per cent of the workforce earning RM1,500 a month would be the hardest hit when the GST was implemented.
On another front, Ling said the BN government was slow to learn when it came to the interpretation of the outcome of the 13th General Election.
He said the results of the election was a clear manifestation that the people were not happy with the (BN) government for its inefficiency to tackle corruption and rampant crime.
“It appears that they are more concerned about playing politics instead of ensuring the improvement of public security,” he said in reference to the recent arrest of student activist Adam Adli.
Ling called for the release of Adam, saying his arrest would only spark further troubles.
Ling recalled that during the 2004 general election when the BN government won an overwhelming 198 seats it was more committed to fighting corruption, and had even arrested several big wigs suspected of corrupt practices.
He reminded the new cabinet ministers to play their roles effectively and responsibly to ensure that the country would continue to prosper.
He said the next five years would be a huge challenge to the ministers for them to meet the expectations of the electorate.
“And with so many MPs from Sarawak appointed as ministers, it is time for them to deliver and bring more development to the state,” he added.