KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan has clarified the discrepancy in revenue figures stated in the Budget 2024 fiscal review document. He explained that the document was initially distributed to the 222 MPs in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Oct 12). However, the Cabinet decided to increase the service tax rate (SST) from 6% to 8% at noon on Friday (Oct 13).
Due to the relatively short notice, the document could not be printed before the budget was tabled later that day. Ahmad Maslan provided this explanation in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) during Question Time. Awang had asked the Finance Ministry to clarify if there had been any correction made to the Budget 2024 fiscal review document.
Awang expressed concern about the size of the figures in the document and emphasized the need for the ministry to maintain accuracy. In addressing the issue, Ahmad Maslan revealed that the decision to increase the SST to 8% would result in an estimated revenue increase of RM3.45 billion for the government.
Ahmad Maslan further clarified that the necessary corrections were made and the distributed documents given to all MPs were the accurate versions. He also mentioned that the Budget 2024 speech itself contained no errors. The document available on the Finance Ministry website had already been amended in advance, negating the need to notify the MPs of the changes.
In response to a question about the absence of a replacement for the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, Ahmad stated that Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali would be temporarily fulfilling the role as acting minister. He emphasized that the role was currently occupied and the absence of an official appointment did not mean a vacancy in the ministerial position.
Awang had raised concerns about the lack of a replacement minister, particularly in light of the public’s struggle with the high cost of living. The position had become vacant following the passing of Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub in July.
