I DISAGREE with Ng Chong Phee of Chemor that the income tax should be reduced by three per cent (“Reducing income tax seems to be a better
option” — NST, Nov 12) instead of allowing Employees Provident Fund members to cut their contributions by three per cent Taxes provide an income for the government and every citizen and resident of the country
who holds a job should not object to paying taxes.

It is by using tax money that the government can build roads, railways, airports, schools, hospitals, libraries and parks. It is also by using tax money that the government can pay its employees to run the country and make sure that laws are implemented and followed by all citizens. Recently, the Perak government announced its intention to have a frequent and fast train service between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur to make Ipoh a satellite town to the capital. This is a wonderful idea which would benefit the residents of Ipoh. Yet, the realisation of this project will not come about unless the people are willing to help the government by paying income taxes. Saving is fine, but we have only the certainty of the present. Why worry so much about the future when none of us knows for sure whether we will be alive tomorrow? Thus, to rely on your savings is not the best strategy to ensure growth and prosperity. No doubt the government has realised the fragility of investment and savings, and how interest due on savings is a stumbling block to the best use of resources for development and progress. This is probably one of the reasons it is giving EPF members a chance to reduce contr ibutions. Malaysians must be willing to pay the price for this country to become fully developed, prosperous and happy. Indeed it is a pity to see how Malaysia, with all its resources of environment and population, is unable to claim the high status it has the potential to achieve locally and internationally. It is also disheartening that Malaysians are more concerned about the price of roti canai falling by a few sen than with adopting measures and a lifestyle that would make them able to afford eventual price increases, together with a much better quality of life. Malaysians should cooperate more and understand the effort needed to run a country and keep it in peace and prosper ity. On the other hand, the government should not be afraid to explain to the people why tax money is needed, how this money will be used and how decisions made will benefit the people. This would be a much more profitable strategy than dishing out subsidies, bonuses, rebates and other freebies for which there is no budget and which have not rightfully been ear ned.

MARISA DEMORI, Ipoh

Source: NST – November 13, 2008