A PARTI Sosialis Malaysia (Selangor) leader has expressed concern over news reports that assessment taxes in Selangor would rise by 25% starting January 2025, with the tax hike expected to raise revenue for local councils by RM355 mil.
Citing Selangor local government and tourism committee chairperson Datuk Ng Suee Lim who stated on Dec 9 that the funds will be utilised to enhance infrastructure and public services across districts, PSM Selangor treasurer Dr Darren Ong said Selangorians deserve a bigger say on where these funds go.
“While we agree that infrastructure and public services in Selangor require much improvement, we also share the scepticism of many Selangor taxpayers whether the money will be spent in a prudent and responsible manner,” he remarked.
Ong said one reason for this scepticism is that funds from this tax hike will be administered by the unelected local council members.
He said despite past calls to reinstate local government elections by the parties currently in Pakatan Harapan (PH) – most recently by DAP’s federal territory chairman Tan Kok Wai last year – neither the Selangor state government nor the federal government have made any progress in this matter despite both governments being led by PH.
“We Selangorians are subject to a ‘taxation without representation’! The RM355 mil windfall will not be administered by people who were judged competent or trustworthy by the Selangor electorate but rather buddies of political party chiefs appointed by PH and Barisan Nasional without any consultation with the people who had to pay for the increased tax rates,” Ong stressed.
“Given the tendency for public money to disappear into cronies’ pockets in Malaysia, Selangor taxpayers are right to be suspicious that they will see any benefits from this tax hike.”
Ong went on to urge the Selangor state government to make tangible progress towards local government elections in the state.
“With this massive 25% rate hike, local councils are taking a much larger portion of Selangorians’ incomes. We deserve a bigger say on where these funds go,” he elaborated.
“We also demand clarity on what projects these funds will be spent for, and a commitment to transparency. In particular, that the projects will be awarded based on an open tender basis, not just handed to cronies of political party leaders.”
Ong also called for the state government to raise taxes on the wealthy rather than burdening the ordinary people through broad tax hikes.
“We acknowledge there are some exemptions to the assessment taxes to the very poorest. Nevertheless this rate hike will still burden many Selangorian families who are struggling to get by,” he continued.
“Selangor has a serious inequality problem, and many ultra-wealthy residents. The state government should be targeting the rich, rather than raising taxes on the poor and middle class.” – Dec 18, 2024
