DAP has pledged its commitment to the “Hancur GST” protest, promising that it will show up in full force on May 1.
“The economy and Malaysians have been devastated by the effects of the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for almost a month now,” DAP National Organising Secretary Anthony Loke said at a press conference today.
Loke said DAP members and supporters will gather at Jalan Sultan at 1pm, and will march towards Dataran Maybank to converge with other groups, after which the whole group will march towards KLCC.
“We urge all our supporters to join us,” he said.
“We will see a sea of red in KL (Kuala Lumpur) on May 1 to show the people’s anger towards GST – the people’s anger towards Barisan Nasional for imposing GST which burdens the people.”
Red is also DAP’s theme colour, he said, speaking at the party’s headquarters in Jalan Yew, KL, today.
The protest is organised by the component parties of Pakatan Rakyat, and will also be part of the Kita Lawan demonstrations.
Loke highlighted recent incidents where a Barisan Nasional politician, according to him, demonstrated irresponsibility and arrogance regarding the implementation of the tax.
Among them were Deputy Finance Minister Ahmad Maslan, who was criticised for suggesting to students that they resort to cooking their own food instead of eating out to reduce the burden of GST.
Many on social media had criticised the UMNO leader, particularly for forgetting that students were not allowed to cook in their hostels.
“We also see UMNO Parlimentarians themselves, such as Sepanggar MP Jumat Idris complaining in Facebook about the increase in medical treatment for his child due to GST in a private medical facility,” Loke said.
“Even UMNO-BN Parliamentarians who are rich feel affected by GST, what then of ordinary people? GST implementation will deter public spending – which will affect small businesses.” Loke said.
He added that multiple government lists on the price of goods post GST confuses businessmen and consumers. He said that the tax was implemented in a state of unpreparedness. -The Rocket
