PH’s presidential council said such a move would be harmful to the people given the current situation of high inflation, rising cost of living and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on household income.

“The reintroduction of GST will result in a sharp rise in the prices of goods.

“When coupled with supply chain issues and stagnant wages, the people will suffer tremendously,” it said in a statement.

Ismail said in a recent interview with Japan’s Nikkei Asia that the government was keen on reintroducing GST in order to expand its revenue base.

He said the government was aware of the negative public sentiment towards GST but there were not many alternatives to replenish Putrajaya’s funds.

Commenting further, PH’s presidential council said the prime minister must be reminded that the outcome of the last general election proved that the majority of Malaysians rejected GST.

A 6% GST was introduced in 2015 but was abolished by the PH administration and replaced with the current sales and services tax (SST) system in 2018.

PH’s statement was signed by PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook and Upko president Wilfred Madius Tangau.