BY HASANUDDIN MOHD YUNUS
The Tourism and Culture Minister’s response on certain state leaders’ actions were truly unprofessional, he should have handled it in a more diplomatic manner.
Using condescending languages on other people should be stopped, you are not the only one who is knowledgeable on tourism matters.
In fact, this shows the shallow mentality of BN Ministers in the cabinet.
The action to belittle Sarawak and Sabah should not have even come out from the mouth of a minister. This is because, Sabah and Sarawak are very much dependent on tourism industry to drive their economy, hence their reaction to disagree is appropriate.
Besides, Sabah and Sarawak are still burdened by the cabotage tax despite announcements that it has been eliminated. The tax is still imposed and according to the government, it will only be temporarily discontinued. Enough that Sarawakians and Sabahans are already burdened with the current high living cost.
In addition, I congratulate the unsung heroes particularly the 8 Pakatan Harapan and Warisan member of parliaments who had persistently debated and protested the Tourism Tax Bill until 5 a.m. when it was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat.
I believe this tax is to increase the country’s revenue up to RM654 million a year. This should be shared with Sabah and Sarawak.
In fact, the citizens always ask, where do the money from the tax, reaching billions of ringgit, imposed on them, is being distributed to?
The leak in the country’s fund has caused the government to be always ‘thirsty’ to impose new taxes.
Therefore, actions by the government and minister should be in consideration of the people. They should review the leakage in the country’s finances before punishing the people. Do not think you are so good that you can belittle other people.
*Hasanuddin Mohd Yunus in AMANAH Vice President
Tourism tax: Sabah and Sarawak have the right not to agree
