COMMENT | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has displayed a remarkable lack of understanding of the goods and services tax (GST).

He blithely said the six percent tax was across the board when over 200 exemptions were made to relieve the impact on the poor.

While arguing against calls for the re-introduction of GST, he said: “Sometimes, MPs need a bit of a crash course. They love saying ‘SST is not good!’ ‘Return the GST!’ But do you even understand GST?

“Ask the secretary-general of the Economy Ministry or Finance Ministry - yes, GST is better and simpler. Six percent - everyone pays. But let me ask - if it’s six percent across the board, why should the poor and unemployed pay?” asked Anwar.

As the finance minister too, that lack of knowledge is astonishing and highlights yet again that he is not fit to be in that position and should...