SM Goh says plan for GST hike came after elections
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SM Goh says plan for GST hike came after elections
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 17 January 2007 1426 hrs
ABU DHABI: With Budget Day coming up, all eyes and ears will be on the announcement on the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and offset package.
Commenting on any possible fallout, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said price increases would not be that big.
Speaking to media at the end of his 9-day official trip to Morocco and Abu Dhabi, Mr Goh was reluctant to reveal any details of the GST package.
He would only say there would be measures to mitigate immediate price increases, with the aim of long-term economic growth to push up wages.
However, he did address perceptions about such unpopular moves being introduced after elections.
"That's not quite wrong. That's politics. That's the way campaigns should be fought. You concentrate on what you want to do – the positive parts. And of course, in some instances, you have to raise revenue to support the programmes. And after the election, you have got to translate your pledge into reality," said Mr Goh. Mr Goh also revealed that the idea to raise the GST came much later.
He said: "I'll tell you quite candidly and honestly – during election time, the idea of GST had not come in yet. Because we just thought – we've got to do the Workfare bonus, we'll look at the sums later on. And we find that it's better for us to raise GST, not just for the programmes, but for anything we want to spend more on – education, for example."
What is important though, he said, is that at the end of a 5-year term, the pain must produce good results, with everyone saying it was worth it. - CNA/so -
Yah right....
Like I'm totally sold to the his suggestions man...
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Well.. looks like many here are better politicians.. have better foresight..
We could see it coming.. PAP with their mega paying ministers "didn't"..
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woohoo... 7 perccent!! ..taxes... HERE I COOOME!!
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are we suppose to feel better because of that????
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since when the govt no plan way ahead one?
if they like tt say means alotta policies is very last minute think one? -
I'm hoping that they can increase the GST to 50% or 80% so that the lower income group can benefit more.Originally posted by mhcampboy:woohoo... 7 perccent!! ..taxes... HERE I COOOME!! -
Uhuh. Like I'm gonna believe that.
In any case, am I supposed to believe that the GST hike was a sudden last-minute plan instead of a long-planned one? And that's supposed to make me feel better? -
That means we citizens are way smarter than the govt. We saw the hike coming before the elections, they only saw it after.
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increase 2% gst so they can help the poor.Originally posted by freedom4ever:I'm hoping that they can increase the GST to 50% or 80% so that the lower income group can benefit more.
increase 45%? to help the rich?????
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unfortunately stupidity supersede our visionOriginally posted by ditzy:That means we citizens are way smarter than the govt. We saw the hike coming before the elections, they only saw it after. -
depend on what the govt going to say. they say help the poor so is help the poor lor. it is only sooner or later that our GST become the highest in the world as the govt use it to help the lower income group. no wonder the 66.6% voted for them. cos they are the best.
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hey.. don't fricken give them any ideas about "highest GST" in the world!
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He already said during the interview that with those offset packages to "help" lower income Singaporeans, you need to have revenue. Don't tell me you don't know you need to increase some taxes, if he didn't see that coming, then I guess there is a problem with the party.
If they had announced that GST would be increased another 2%, I think they would lose another 10% of the electorate and afew more seats in parliament. -
can't you see we are poking fun at it?Originally posted by maurizio13:He already said during the interview that with those offset packages to "help" lower income Singaporeans, you need to have revenue. Don't tell me you don't know you need to increase some taxes, if he didn't see that coming, then I guess there is a problem with the party.
If they had announced that GST would be increased another 2%, I think they would lose another 10% of the electorate and afew more seats in parliament. -
...from the people for the people... do programmes include high pay to prevent corruption???...Originally posted by LinYu:SM Goh says plan for GST hike came after elections
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 17 January 2007 1426 hrs
..."That's not quite wrong. That's politics. That's the way campaigns should be fought. You concentrate on what you want to do – the positive parts. And of course, in some instances, you have to raise revenue to support the programmes. And after the election, you have got to translate your pledge into reality," said Mr Goh. ... What is important though, he said, is that at the end of a 5-year term, the pain must produce good results, with everyone saying it was worth it. - CNA/so ... 'everyone saying it was worth it'... everyone? ... -
The GST hike was not in their mind before erection......
This is World Biggest Joke!!!
Such a crucial political matter and dare lau goh said it.
My God...
The riase of GST or propety tax after next erection....Hmmmmm...I'm thinking what reason will he be giving.....
Many of us...already knew that GST will be increased to 7% way before the last erection was held. He must be sleeping....with peanutzzzzzzzzzzzzzz -
Originally posted by Lowclassman:
[b]The GST hike was not in their mind during or before erection......
This is World Biggest Joke!!!
Such a crucial political matter and decision to be made; dare lau goh said it.
My God...
The riase of GST or propety tax after next erection....Hmmmmm...I'm thinking what reason will he be giving.....
The sg govt is toying with our feelings.
Many of us...already knew that GST will be increased to 7% way before the last erection was held. He must be sleeping....with peanutzzzzzzzzzzzzzz[/b] -
Since when gahmen do things we dare to oppose....whiners make noise no use one lah....
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Exactly. Either way, it's all bullsh!t.Originally posted by fudgester:Uhuh. Like I'm gonna believe that.
In any case, am I supposed to believe that the GST hike was a sudden last-minute plan instead of a long-planned one? And that's supposed to make me feel better? -
I dont believe a single word
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I don't believe that too. There's a saying "When a fox preaches, take care of your geese."
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The sg govt is toying with our feelings.
you are wrong. they dont even care!!! -
Mmh, at least Singaporeans are more capable. Many are making plans now... plans not to vote for anyone in the next election...
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One thing I like abt Goh.. is that he is a damn lousy liar!