As someone who has experienced the economic benefits of a well-implemented tax system firsthand, I am imploring those in power to reconsider the decision to remove the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Malaysia. The GST was initially introduced in Malaysia in 2015 to replace the previous revenue-based taxation system. It was seen as a transparent procedure which aimed to diversify Malaysia's revenue streams. I believe that the GST applied fairly across the board, not discriminating against any particular group.

However, with a change in government in 2018, this tax system was abolished and replaced by the Sales and Service Tax (SST). Since then, I and many other Malaysians feel that we have been deprived of the many benefits and efficiencies that the GST system offered, including enhanced price transparency in the market. According to a report by the World Bank, GST is practiced in more than 160 countries because it can effectively boost a country's economic stability (World Bank, 2020). The GST system is seen as more modern, comprehensive, transparent, and effective as compared to other tax systems.

By removing GST, we have returned to an arcane system that does not serve the best interests of the citizenry. This petition is not merely about reinstating a tax system; it is a call for effective checks and balances, for transparency and fairness. For this reason, I ask you to join me in calling for the return of the Goods and Services Tax, for the sake of economic stability, honesty, and transparency. Please sign this petition.