NTUC Members polled: Majority against GST hike

By: Obbana Rajah

Earlier this week, results of a poll conducted within the National Trade Union Congress (NTUC) was anonymously revealed through WhatsApp.

According to the source, there were more than 300 leaders of NTUC who took part, with about 440 responses received.

The results were not entirely favourable towards the proposed increased in the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

According to the poll, 73.8% said ‘No’, when asked if GST should be raised, another 16.3% said ‘Maybe’ and 9.9% said ‘Yes’.

Out of those who were for an increase in GST, 51.2% said that a 1% increase would be acceptable, with another 27.9% being for a 2% increase.

Those who were against an increase in GST were asked to suggest other possible ways in which the government could balance spending and revenue. The top 3 on their list was to tax the rich, reduce expenditure and to cut the salary of high-ranking government officers and ministers.

Those who took part in the poll also expressed that should the GST be increased, the government can help low earners through rebates and GST vouchers, proposed measures during the Budget Speech 2018.