Updated
23/03/2016 01:27 PM
Disabled demand GST exemption
Already weighed down by their difficult lives, the goods and services tax has burdened them even more and some have died because they couldn't afford expensive medicines
KUALA LUMPUR: The president of The Independent Living and Training Centre Malaysia (ILTC Malaysia), G Francis Siva, and 30 other disabled individuals today handed over a memorandum to the government demanding that the goods and services tax (GST) be waived on all devices and supplies for the disabled.
They said the GST was adding to the burden of their already difficult lives.
"The OKU are suffering on a daily basis. The GST is just adding to it so we are here today to submit this memorandum to the Prime Minister Najib Razak seeking a waiver .
"We have gathered disabled people from all over, from Kuantan, Penang, all over for this cause," said Francis.
ILTC secretary Rina, who is wheelchair-bound, said that many of her disabled friends have even died because they can't afford medication anymore with the GST.
Seven people out of the 30 were allowed into the parliament compound after waiting for 30 minutes at the gates. The seven, including Francis and Rina, waited another 30 minutes at the entrance to the Dewan Rakyat before handing over the memorandum to a government representative.
"We disabled people are unhappy with the increase in prices of items essential to us. There is no choice for us, therefore, we have brought the matter here to the parliament.
"We are suggesting that the government use the identification card issued by the welfare department to waive GST, as the same document is used for air ticket discounts, free road tax renewals, free telephone lines and free international passports.
"The card should also be allowed to be used at cashiers so that GST can be waived," said Francis.
According to government statistics, there are close to 450,000 disabled Malaysians registered.
The memorandum also has been handed over to opposition lawmakers, Klang MP Charles Santiago (DAP), Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR) and Parit Buntar MP (Amanah) Mujahid Yusof Rawa.
The group was hoping to hand over the memorandum to Najib personally but gave it to BN MP G Palanivel instead when he stepped forward representing the government.
They said the GST was adding to the burden of their already difficult lives.
"The OKU are suffering on a daily basis. The GST is just adding to it so we are here today to submit this memorandum to the Prime Minister Najib Razak seeking a waiver .
"We have gathered disabled people from all over, from Kuantan, Penang, all over for this cause," said Francis.
ILTC secretary Rina, who is wheelchair-bound, said that many of her disabled friends have even died because they can't afford medication anymore with the GST.
Seven people out of the 30 were allowed into the parliament compound after waiting for 30 minutes at the gates. The seven, including Francis and Rina, waited another 30 minutes at the entrance to the Dewan Rakyat before handing over the memorandum to a government representative.
"We disabled people are unhappy with the increase in prices of items essential to us. There is no choice for us, therefore, we have brought the matter here to the parliament.
"We are suggesting that the government use the identification card issued by the welfare department to waive GST, as the same document is used for air ticket discounts, free road tax renewals, free telephone lines and free international passports.
"The card should also be allowed to be used at cashiers so that GST can be waived," said Francis.
According to government statistics, there are close to 450,000 disabled Malaysians registered.
The memorandum also has been handed over to opposition lawmakers, Klang MP Charles Santiago (DAP), Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR) and Parit Buntar MP (Amanah) Mujahid Yusof Rawa.
The group was hoping to hand over the memorandum to Najib personally but gave it to BN MP G Palanivel instead when he stepped forward representing the government.
In the Dewan Rakyat, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Rohani Abdul Karim said she would look into the group’s request.
"I want to get all the details, because most of the OKU devices and necessities are already GST exempted but we will look into this further. This is not just under my ministry, so I will discuss with other relevant ministries," she said.
DAP MP Charles Santiago had raised the matter in parliament today when it was Rohani's turn for the ministerial winding-up speech on the royal address.
Giving an assurance that the ministry will look into the matter, Rohani said it should have been brought to her ministry first before being taken to parliament.
"Why not contact us first? We are always here. I go for meetings at our disabled community council frequently but none of this was raised. That is alright, I give you my assurance, leave it to me and I will go through it. If not this ministry then who else is going to look after the disabled?" she said.
Charles, however, pointed out that since the disabled group had confessed that they were on the brink of suicide due to the GST, Rohani should do more than just looking into matters.
"They are saying they can't cope and are on the verge of suicide; that is serious. Maybe you could call the leader (Francis) and discuss?" suggested Charles.
Rohani agreed to the suggestion to meet ILTC.
When contacted, Francis welcomed Rohani's response and hoped to hear from her soon.
"We heard that the minister is willing to meet us, so tomorrow we will write an official letter regarding this matter to the minister, and quickly organise the meeting to see how she can help with our requirements," said Francis.
"I want to get all the details, because most of the OKU devices and necessities are already GST exempted but we will look into this further. This is not just under my ministry, so I will discuss with other relevant ministries," she said.
DAP MP Charles Santiago had raised the matter in parliament today when it was Rohani's turn for the ministerial winding-up speech on the royal address.
Giving an assurance that the ministry will look into the matter, Rohani said it should have been brought to her ministry first before being taken to parliament.
"Why not contact us first? We are always here. I go for meetings at our disabled community council frequently but none of this was raised. That is alright, I give you my assurance, leave it to me and I will go through it. If not this ministry then who else is going to look after the disabled?" she said.
Charles, however, pointed out that since the disabled group had confessed that they were on the brink of suicide due to the GST, Rohani should do more than just looking into matters.
"They are saying they can't cope and are on the verge of suicide; that is serious. Maybe you could call the leader (Francis) and discuss?" suggested Charles.
Rohani agreed to the suggestion to meet ILTC.
When contacted, Francis welcomed Rohani's response and hoped to hear from her soon.
"We heard that the minister is willing to meet us, so tomorrow we will write an official letter regarding this matter to the minister, and quickly organise the meeting to see how she can help with our requirements," said Francis.
