The Politics of Outrage by Philip Golingai

Reform interests? Rafizi with his allies voicing their concerns regarding the recent judicial appointments in a press conference. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star

IT'S JUST POLITICS 

The Star, Sunday, 13 Jul 2025

POP quiz.

Which politicians or parties are vocal about the proposed Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on the judiciary, the expansions and rate increases in the Sales and Service Tax (SST), and the perceived slow pace of the Reformasi agenda?

1. Bersatu and PAS

2. DAP

3. Rafizi Ramli

Is the expanded SST much ado about nothing?

"Much ado about nothing" is a Shakespearean play about courtship and scandals. Much ado is seldom used when someone is overreacting and makes a big fuss over something unimportant. 

Introduction of new taxes will not be taken well by anyone, so there is something to ado over the government announced expended Sales and Service Tax (SST) to take effect soon.

It will have an impact on the mid- to high-income households, and businesses in the construction, healthcare, beauty, and education sectors. 

There were much ado over Anwar's mistake to mention GST as broad based General Services Tax. 

But the bigger ado was the nitpicking over taxing import dependent supply of fruits, in which apples and orange (but not pears) have been taken off the list. 

Supposedly the expended SST is targeted on imported goods, and goods and services for the higher income bracket, primarily T20s. 

It will be translated into the cost of living in all aspect of Malaysian life.