As an personally affected citizen, I am raising this petition in response to the late increased Value Added Tax (VAT) implemented by our government. We speak not just for ourselves, but for countless households that are struggling to match the increased cost of living. VAT is applied uniformly to goods and services, exacerbating the existing economic inequality by taking a significantly larger portion from low-income households' limited resources. This invariably increases the financial pressures of our poorest citizens, potentially exacerbating poverty and income inequality.

The fact is, the more a family earns, the smaller a percentage of its total income is spent on necessities such as food, transport, and toiletries compared to lower-income families. Therefore, the latter carry an unfair burden under a system of uniform VAT. This can only be called regressive, pushing those just above the poverty line, back under it.

In response to this unacceptable burden on the most vulnerable in our society, we propose a two-fold solution. Firstly, we call on the National Assembly to mandate the Standing Committee on Finance to conduct public hearings on the socio-economic impact of the recent VAT increase. Such hearings are crucial for a democratic response to the negative repercussions this tax increase has engendered.

Secondly, we urgently implore the Minister of Finance to review the regressive effects of the VAT increase and propose corrective measures aimed particularly at low-income households for the next budget cycle. To lessen the burden of the VAT increase, we urge the Parliament to consider legislative amendments to zero-rate more essential goods.

Join us in this fight against the apparent socio-economic regressivity the VAT increase has thrust upon our nation. It's a matter not just of policy, but of basic human dignity. Sign this petition today.