Najib: Only one out of every 10 Malaysians pays tax

So it's official then, that only 1 in 10 Malaysians pays tax. It depends on what kind of tax he was referring to, income tax? Because Malaysians are indirectly paying taxes like sales tax, excise duties, stamp duties, import tax, etc.

If Najib means income tax, then we are indeed facing a big problem. Malaysia's population is 30 Million, or thereabouts. Assuming 50% are working age, it works out to only 1.5 million taxpayers out of 15 Million working age adults. Which also means the 90% or 13.5 Million workers are earning below taxable income.

This tells us that:

1. Malaysians' are either working at low paying jobs, or they are underpaid.

2. Inflation will greatly impact the disposable income after tax.

3. Government's solution to increase revenue through taxing the working class.

4. No mention of government cutting their spending but instead increases it with salary increments & bonuses to civil servants.

5. If the economy is growing, why isn't the government collecting more from corporate, personal & other taxes?

6. Either the government is spending more than it's income, or businesses are evading taxes, or economic growth did not translate to increased revenue.

Their solution is to take the easy way out, which is to tax everyone with GST. Raising income taxes would be pointless because the pool is small.

But there's one thing no one thought of asking, "After the removal of subsidies & introducing GST, does it mean that the government will not have to borrow anymore? How long will it take to reduce the debt to manageable levels?".

However, I observed that many of those countries who have similar taxes like GST or VAT, with the exception of a few, still have huge debts on top of high income tax. The only difference is their wages and standard of living are much higher.

Finally, I would like to state that subsidies are not wrong. It is perfectly within the people's right to enjoy subsidies if they need it, and it is the responsibility of the government to provide it.

On the other hand, signing lopsided agreements and contracts with highway operators, power producers, water concessionaires, vendors and service providers are morally & ethically wrong.

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Najib: Only one out of every 10 Malaysians pays tax

PEKAN: The current mix of low taxpayer base, increasing public spending, and resistance towards subsidy rationalisation is a recipe for trouble, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Revealing that only one out of every 10 Malaysians pays tax, Najib said there is an urgent need to raise government revenue, while at the same time reining in increasing amounts spent on broad-based subsidies such as on fuel.

According to Najib, who is also the Finance Minister, the number of civil servants would increase each year, but when revenue did not rise in tandem, the country would have to resort to borrowing. In the same vein, the proposed goods and services tax (GST) was one such measure that could lead to more revenue for the government, but has been opposed by some.

“When I do not announce any bonus during the tabling of the Budget, then it is not considered a good budget. But each time bonus is dispensed, it is RM5.6bil in spending a month,” Najib said at a 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) presentation ceremony at his constituency here yesterday.

He added that subsidies had to be carefully targeted to strengthen the country’s finances.

“We say our country’s economy is mid-high income and a lot better than other countries. But the question that is on our minds is why are petrol subsidies reduced and the sugar subsidy removed when our economy is already good?

“We have to explain that the rationalisation is to avoid a situation where we have to borrow money,” said Najib, who pointed out that money saved from cutting subsidies was then channelled to more equitable ways of helping people, such as BR1M.

“A person who drives a Kancil only enjoys RM900 in subsidy a year while those with a big car can stand to benefit up to RM2,400 if they drive 50km a day. This is not fair.

“Also, why should foreigners enjoy our subsidies too? That is why we want to refine the system to become targeted, fair, transparent and efficient,” he said.

Najib added that BR1M could also help the people settle debts, and, in principle, this was also helping those in need.

“It is meritorious in Islam to help others. It is okay if the Opposition wants to denounce our efforts, as long as we hold on to the principle of helping others,” he said. - SOURCE

Najib mocked with Kangkung

Don't the Chinese have any manners anymore? Why resort to such uncouth behaviour for publicity? It is a disgrace. These politicians just don't know their limits do they? I wonder if behaviour like this represents the 5000 years of civilisation of the Chinese people and the proud product of Chinese education. You just used price hikes as an excuse to mock the PM.

Your kind also love to make fun of other Chinese who happens to support BN or do not share your point of view on issues. You demand absolute loyalty to your kind. Dissent will be dealt with severely and swiftly. Your operators online and offline will ensure these voices are silenced.

Has the success of the Pakatan parties gone to your heads? Sometimes, it's wise not to step on too many people on your way up, because you'll be meeting them on your way down.

And of course, true to form,  UMNO responded ostensibly to defend the PM, but in reality, to threaten the Chinese with another May 13, a threat they never fail to repeat since 1969...

Sometimes I really do wonder if it was UMNO's intention all along to kick the Chinese out of BN so that they have the excuse to whack them more. Perhaps MCA, Gerakan & MIC have outlived their usefulness. I really do think so, especially after the last general elections. It looks like the only way UMNO will get Malay support is through the demise of the Chinese. Without the Chinese, somehow PAS & PKR will become redundant.

It's really quite a strong hint on what the Malays actually think of the Chinese doesn't it? Usually smart people would get it the first time they are told, but apparently, some communities despite being told for 45 years, still don't get it.

The zeal these UMNO people show in defending the PM and their party President is indeed commendable although the intention is somewhat questionable. The fact that right now, various factions within UMNO are moving to topple PM Najib seems not to be of any significance to them. To these people who see themselves as the power behind the throne, he's just the President of their party, a position he holds for as long as he does what he's told. They are never short of eager volunteers from within their ranks to choose from anyway.

Najib mocked with kangkung stuffed into the mouth

UMNO protest with May 13 threat

An unidentified chap manhandled during the 2nd protest in Penang

The organiser - Lee Khai Loon from PKR

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PKR urges police to act over May 13 threat by Umno supporters

PKR has urged the police to arrest those involved in yesterday's protest in Penang which saw several placards raising the spectre of May 13-style riot.

Its vice-president N. Surendran, described threats of a racial bloodshed by Umno members as shocking and a blatant act of criminality.

"Umno has clearly lost its senses, it is increasingly losing the rakyat's support and is now resorting to tactics commonly employed by North Korea," he said.

Surendran also took to task Barisan Nasional's Kepala Batas MP, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, for joining "this criminal Umno mob waving banners and placards which are inciting the public to violence".

"The crimes committed during yesterday's protest by Umno include criminal intimidation, public mischief and participating in acts detrimental to parliamentary democracy," he said.

"Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar and the Penang police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Hanafi cannot afford to keep silent on this issue.

"Police must take action against the protesters because of the openly criminal nature of this Umno mob," said the human rights lawyer, questioning the police's silence despite the news of the protest being widely reported.

"This is blatant hypocrisy, Pakatan Rakyat's previous peaceful gatherings and flash mobs have seen police cracking down in a heavy-handed manner," he added.

He said the rowdy protest in Seberang Jaya yesterday showed that Umno was now completely  intolerant of criticism.

Surendran (pic, left) also defended Machang Bubuk state assemblyman Lee Khai Loon and his actions during a flash mob last week, where he stuffed kangkung (water spinach) into an effigy resembling Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

"Lee was merely expressing his right to freedom of expression which is enshrined in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution," Surendran said.

"There was nothing wrong or inappropriate with Lee's flash mob protest as these things are normal in any democratic country."

Surendran reminded that as Prime Minister, Najib was not above criticism, and urged him to condemn Penang Umno and take disciplinary action on Reezal.

An estimated 600 people comprising Penang Umno members had gathered to condemn Lee for the flash mob.

The crowd carried placards and banners, chanted "Allahu Akbar" and "Hidup Melayu" (Long live the Malays).

One of the banners read: "Because of DAP's leaders mouth, May 13, 1969 happened ... Want some more?" Others had messages like "Insulting the PM is like insulting the Malays", "Penang Malays survive by eating kangkung", "ABCD - Asal Bukan Cina DAP" and "DAP is the enemy of Islam".

Najib has come under attack over a recent speech in which he cited the low price of kangkung as an example that the government had no say in prices of goods.

He has since said he used the kangkung example to explain the principle of supply and demand.

"I like to eat kangkung, you all like to eat kangkung. As such, I gave an example which everybody eats. If I use quail as an example, only certain people eat it," he was quoted as saying by Bernama. - January 19, 2014. - SOURCE

PM announces 11 measures to slash public sector spending

PM announces 11 measures to slash public sector spending

PETALING JAYA: The Government has announced 11 cost-cutting measures for the public sector in line with its intention to practice more prudent spending in 2014.

The Prime Minister in a statement Monday said the decision to undertake the measures was made after discussions with his deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Ali Hamsa.

“Other savings measures for the public sector will be announced from time to time based on needs and the current situation,” Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said in the statement.

The measures include cutting the entertainment allowances of Minister and Deputy Ministers by 10%; requiring all government ministries, agencies and premises to cut their electricity bills by 5%; cutting the toll payment facilities for senior government officers by 30%; and reducing the use of event management companies and door gifts for conventions and government functions involving public servants.

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In the coming years, the people will feel the pinch as expenses and cost of living increases. I foresee that jobs will be hard to come by, salaries, bonuses and perks will shrink as businesses have to contend with rising costs. In other words, the people will be angry.

What the PM has announced so far will not make any impact in terms of cost savings. But it will be seen as an act of empathy.Hopefully, he has plans to implement measures that will actually address the problems.

The people will be watching very, very closely on the actions of the government, both state & federal, in the years to come. These days, it is no longer possible to hide behind official reasons or excuses. This should be applied to the State level as well. Pakatan Rakyat supporters should keep a close eye on the doings of the Pakatan ADUNs & MPs. They are just as fallible. Some of them were ex-BN, mind you.

We should not be distracted by rhetorical issues. Focus on real, tangible issues. Issues that have a direct impact in our lives. Don't let the politicians make use of you to fulfill their agendas.

Instead of them asking us what we can do for the country, from now onwards, WE should be asking them what they can deliver/do for us, the people. Why must the people let themselves to be led by the nose?

1. THE PEOPLE should be setting the benchmark for THEM!

2. THE PEOPLE should set THEIR agendas.

3. THE PEOPLE should demand TANGIBLE results from THEM.

4. THE PEOPLE should not let themselves be USED.

5. THE PEOPLE should be proactive, not wait for THEM to get things done.

Lets get back to basics, shall we. A few examples:

Rising Prices
There is actually nothing much that can be done. The only way to reduce prices is through subsidies. But since everyone supports the removal of subsidies, (which I don't agree fully), increase minimum wages, then you have to accept rising costs. You have a choice. Either you cut your expenses, or you work harder to earn more. Back in the days, it is common for people to hold 2 or more jobs or side business for extra income, and are prudent with their spending. These days, workers demand high pay, short working hours, long vacations and even longer loans to enjoy first world lifestyle. Well, like they say, there's a price for everything.

Education
Everyone gripes about our lousy education system, but the more they meddle with it, the worse it gets. Since we know it will be ages before we see any improvements, if any, it's about time parents themselves take on the responsibility. Which should be the way in the first place. Why are educated parents outsourcing their responsibilities to others in the first place? The basic role of parents are to provide food, shelter, and guidance for their children. Impart values and ethics and the skill to seek knowledge, so that they will grow up to be independent and responsible adults. When your kids grow up to be undisciplined spoilt brats, it's your fault.

Medical Care
Medical care is getting out of reach for many people. Why are the people not concerned about this? They are so preoccupied with freedom of speech, democracy, corruption, and a host of other issues, while totally oblivious to those that have a direct impact on their well-being. The truth is, globally, people cannot afford to get sick. Getting sick is expensive. But the people have forgotten that affordable medical care is a basic human right. As you get older, this will be your major concern. So, wouldn't it be better if the people ensure that the government provides this to all?

Housing
It is obvious that housing is getting out of reach for the average population. If nothing is done, our future generations will be homeless. There must be a system in place to address this problem. Governments cannot put the responsibility on the developers. Housing developers are businesses. The responsibility rests with the government. In Penang & Selangor, for example, prices are skyrocketing. The developers are building expensive houses that give them higher profits.

Common Sense
Humans are driven by the herd mentality. It's human nature. It is the number one force that drives politics, stock markets, or any type of speculation, and even public rallies & protests. Why? Because humans react differently in different situations. That is why politicians like to put the people in a state of panic. When human are in panic, their brains reacts accordingly. They will follow the herd and do what they are told. Common sense and critical thinking shuts down.

That is how people are made to do terrible things to other people. For every kind of conflict, wars, killings, clashes, involving large groups of people, the participants are always in a state of panic, hysteric even. The way soldiers are trained reaffirms this concept. They are trained not to think, and only to obey orders. Which is why, when these soldiers return after their missions, many require counseling, suffering from guilt and depression.

So as the New Year is just around the corner, I would like to wish all A Happy New Year!

And my new year wish for Malaysians is to take a step back, calm your minds and see things as they really are. Not what you think they ought to be. Choose the middle way.