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KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) — The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has asked the government to build more affordable homes for middle-income civil servants in the next five years.
Its president, Azih Muda said the request was made for evaluation in preparing the 2015 Budget expected to be tabled in Parliament in the next few months.
He said it was one of the matters raised in a brief meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who attended an Aidilfitri celebration organised by Cuepacs here Thursday.
He said Cuepacs also hoped the government would hold more briefing sessions on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) at the grassroots as many were still unclear on the issue.
“People are generally worried about the rise in costs when the GST is implemented, so the government needs to assure the people that the price of basic goods will not increase and will be exempted,” Azih told reporters at the event.
The GST will be implemented at six per cent starting April 2015, in place of the 16 per cent Sales and Services Tax.
Commenting further, Azih said Cuepacs also requested the government to increase the broadband penetration rate, especially in rural areas, which is currently only at 60 per cent.
“We worry (if the problem is not resolved) the younger generation will find it difficult to get jobs because many job applications need to be done online,” he added.
He said Cuepacs also urged the government pay attention to the needs of lecturers who were a vital component for the country.
Muhyiddin spent 45 minutes at the function which was also attended by Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Bakri Mohd Zinin. — BERNAMA
Source: Bernama
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