Malaysian PM Mahathir rejects claims that country's revenue will dip without GST

New group of fiscal advisers meets, offering comfort ahead of markets re-opening today

Dr Mahathir has said the government has deviated since he stepped down 15 years ago from principles laid down by earlier leaders.
Dr Mahathir has said the government has deviated since he stepped down 15 years ago from principles laid down by earlier leaders.PHOTO: REUTERS
Shannon Teoh Malaysia Bureau Chief In Kuala Lumpur  
  • Published
    May 14, 2018, 5:00 am SGT
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Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has brushed aside claims that Malaysia's revenue would decrease should the goods and services tax (GST) be abolished.

"The lack of funds in the government is not because of insufficient income. The current (national) income is three times higher than during my time as prime minister (before). However, funds were misused. They were used to buy support for (former prime minister) Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. This is why we have less money," he said at a briefing session to RTM and Bernama at his residence in Seri Kembangan here yesterday.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 14, 2018, with the headline 'Mahathir rejects claims that revenue will dip without GST'. Subscribe
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