144 local governments should refrain from increasing assessment & other taxes during this economic slowdown

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw proposes that 144 local governments including the Kuala Lumpur city halls (KLCH) refrain from increasing assessment and other taxes during this difficlut time in the Malaysian economy. Let us lighten the burden on city folks.

On 15.3.2009, Dr Tan issued a statement on assessment and other taxes by KL City Hall.

During this economic slowdown, people wish that the Government would not increase taxes. But, KLCH and others have their own views on these. Some city folks like Kepong Baru residents do not understand the measures taken by KLCH.

At the end of last year, the Government presented the First Economic Stimulus Package, RM 7 billion, to assist people to face the economic challenges. Only RM 1 billion has been allocated and by the end of this year RM 5.2 billion will have been used. Last week, the Finance Minister Dato' Seri Najib presented the Second Economic Stimulus Package of RM 60 billion in Parliament, to deal with the effects of the world financial tsunami.

We hope that the allocations are given to those who are truly in need as soon as possible. These should not be affected by bureaucracy and other hindrances so that they only benefit a few people. Besides the Project Monitoring Unit, a full report on the stimulus packages should be presented in every session of parliamentary meetings.

As the price of properties continues to go down, some are waiting for the price to reach bottom before buying them. On the other hand, 144 local authorities such as KLCH must adopt a wise and sympathetic policy, encouraging people to pay their bills and refraining from raising taxes. Let the people have a breathing space.

There are city folks who use residential properties to do business as quit rent and assessment are higher for business premises. The authorities should have informed owners much before the economic slowdown.

We shall raise the matters in Parliament so that the Government will be more concerned about the suffering of the people. Will the economy pick up at the end of the year?

Dr Tan Seng Giaw