PUTRAJAYA: The government is ready to accept any criticism of the taxation system as long as it is based on facts, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said criticisms should be conveyed through the proper channels and not take the form of slander or verbal abuse.

“I noticed some university students complaining about the electricity bill adjustment. I don’t understand. Electricity rates have not gone up, so is it true they are affected?

“If it’s true, then we need to fix it because public universities are exempted,” he said in his speech at a gathering with Prime Minister’s Department staff here on Monday (June 30).

“Such matters, when spread in the name of freedom, can become avenues for slander and verbal abuse.

“So … brothers, sisters, younger friends or children, please provide facts. I have no issue with people complaining or offering criticism,” he said.

Anwar added that the adjustment of electricity tariffs and the expansion of the sales and service tax (SST) scope are to ensure that those with higher financial means contribute a fairer share, while protecting segments of the population from undue financial pressure.

“If possible, we don’t want to burden the people with taxes. But if there are one or two cases where people are affected, we can make improvements.

“However, to outright oppose the electricity (tariff) adjustment – I think that’s not right,” he said.

On June 9, the government announced a targeted review of the sales tax rate and the expansion of the service tax scope, which will take effect on Tuesday (July 1).

On June 13, the Energy Commission announced that more than 23.6 million domestic users in Peninsular Malaysia will benefit from a fairer and more progressive electricity tariff structure, which has been approved by the government and will be in effect from Tuesday until Dec 31, 2027. – Bernama