The company added that GST had impacted the dates’ market. The company is not against GST but only expects the government to be “more sincere and honest”.

“This is clearly a ‘double standard system’ by government against Muslims,” the company charged.

It argued the Customs and government failed to consider the fact that dates were a must for Muslims during the fasting month.

The writ of summons was filed on June 17 by A.B.Sidek and Co.

The company went on to allege the government had acted unfairly and that it betrayed the people. “They suffer with the rising cost of living.”

“We have previously written to Customs and government on March 23 to request that dates be excluded from GST.”

The government said in a written reply that it will not change its’ policies to exclude dates from GST, the company disclosed. “Given the cold response from the government, we have no choice but to take the government to court to seek justice.”

The company is seeking orders that dates be included in the zero rated items, along with fruits and vegetables. It also wants an order that necessity items and services be exempted from GST.

The company’s lawyer, Abu Backer Sidek, agreed that this was the first GST-related lawsuit against the government. “We were supposed to fix the case management on Wednesday before the registrar.”

“However, the federal counsel (for government, Customs) did not show up.”

The registrar has fixed August 3 as the next date for case management, said the lawyer.

Abu Backer cautioned that if the government’s representatives fail to show up on August 3, the company will seek judgment in default from the court.

“The suit does not mean the company is against GST,” assured the lawyer.

The company only expects the government to be “more sincere and honest” in implementing the tax, he said.