Cut GST by 2%: Chiam

[Watchman]

BUDGET DEBATE 2010
Cut GST by 2%: Chiam
Mar 4, 2010

OPPOSITION MP Chiam See Tong on Thursday called on the Government to take a 'radical step by cutting the Goods and Services Tax (GST) by 2 percentage points from the current 7 per cent to rein in inflation, which he said 'has gone up too high'.

He said the Government could afford to make this move as GST accounted for over $6.6 billion or 15 per cent of its total revenue, not including the extra revenue it would reap when the two integrated resorts come on-stream.

The Singapore People's Party chief, who is long-time MP for Potong Pasir, said the Government GST offset measures are short-term and do not go far enough to help the lower income earners and the squeezed middle income group.

Turning to the upcoming hike in foreign worker levy, Mr Chiam said the increase would hurt borderline companies like SMEs.

He suggested varying the rates of the levy, based on the manpower needs of the industries.

 

[HTOLAS]

How can? Think of all the poor people the PAPzis have to help!

 

[Watchman]

We need to help more poor people . So please increase GST to 14 %

 

[Cestbon]

Mr. Chiam is right, Cut GST 2% , then all the prices/expenses will drop by 2%. Inflation will drop by 2% also.
Only idiots ministers said increase GST will help poor.

 

[wrcboi]

and not forget some goods and services should not be taxed or charged gst like medical services and medicine....or fresh fruits, meats, normal bread and milk and etc....these are items where poor people already struggle to afford...

 

[zuoom]

how would cutting or raising GST help the poor?

 

[Cestbon]

how would cutting or raising GST help the poor?

All bills/grocery/clothes/transport where all poor spending also need to pay GST. Reduce 2% mean poor will pay 2% less. Do u know how to calculate?
Rich people will buy air ticket to oversea shopping. Gov will not able to gain GST from them as expenses is in oversea.
For poor all expenses or 100% salary/income will have to be spend in Singapore. meaning all salary will be automatically tax 7% by idiot minister up the GST.
So hope all will teach/educate the poor how to calculate that they have been tax 7% income even thay never paid income tax.

 

[lifeafter41]

All bills/grocery/clothes/transport where all poor spending also need to pay GST. Reduce 2% mean poor will pay 2% less. Do u know how to calculate?
Rich people will buy air ticket to oversea shopping. Gov will not able to gain GST from them as expenses is in oversea.
For poor all expenses or 100% salary/income will have to be spend in Singapore. meaning all salary will be automatically tax 7% by idiot minister up the GST.
So hope all will teach/educate the poor how to calculate that they have been tax 7% income even thay never paid income tax.

How very true......

 

[wrcboi]

how would cutting or raising GST help the poor?

maybe u shld try doing taxation law....

 

[garlic]

how would cutting or raising GST help the poor?

Why buy things must pay money?

 

[johnny333]

No surprise that its the opposition calling for a reduction in the GST.

The PAP is the party of privilege & $$$.

 

[besotted]

Chiam is a good man

 

[funnyz]

Chiam is a good man

I agree with you whole heartedly, but I hope his body still can take it.

 

[singveld]

in the book 101 , economic for idiots.

never lower taxes, always increase taxes.