KOTA KINABALU, Thursday, 11 Sept 2025:
The Ministry of Finance under DAP’s inner circle has once again demonstrated insensitivity to the plight of the rakyat by expanding the Sales and Service Tax (SST), retaining the Low Value Goods Tax (LVGT), and preparing to impose the High Value Goods Tax (HVGT).
This reckless approach has earned the nickname “suka suka tax” because new taxes appear to be introduced at the minister’s whim, with little regard for the hardship faced by ordinary Malaysians.
At this rate, perhaps the Ministry will even dream up a “Mid Value Goods Tax” just to make sure no goods are spared. Such sarcasm reflects the rakyat’s frustration with a government that seems completely detached from the daily struggles of families and small traders.
A fair taxation system must rest on three principles: It must be affordable so that people can bear it without collapsing under the rising cost of living. It must be understandable so traders and consumers can clearly know what is being taxed without wrestling through layers of SST, LVGT and HVGT. And it must be enforceable so that compliance is realistic and fair.
DAP’s Deputy Finance Ministry has ignored these principles and chosen instead to squeeze every possible ringgit from the rakyat.
“These are not genuine reforms but revenue gimmicks at the people’s expense.”
SAPP strongly condemns this reckless “suka suka tax” culture. The government must stop experimenting on the rakyat’s pockets and instead build a taxation framework that balances national revenue needs with the ability of ordinary Malaysians to live decently.
Gee Tien Siong
Vice President
Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP)