A list of things that are either cheaper or less stringent in Malaysia that is circulating on WhatsApp in Malaysia says Singaporeans should migrate to the neighbouring nation. It gives a good reason why.
But the message, directed at Malaysians, did not put the cheap food or the fact that Malaysia is largely affordable for Singaporeans as the answer to why the people of the tiny republic nation should consider moving to Malaysia.
“You want to curse and defame your leader on Facebook? said the message, most probably prepared by a team that has been put in place to defend Malaysian PM Najib Razak against his detractors and against the opposition pact.
The answer to the question: “Leave Singapore lah and go to Malaysia. They can curse their Prime Minister every day.”
However, this is not really the case, as several Malaysians were dragged to courts and were condemned to pay fines for their Facebook or other social media comments criticizing, or making fun of Najib.
The list is however reminiscent of the glorious days of former Umno information chief Ahmad Maslan, here we present why Malaysia is best.
At least, this is according to the hashtag promoters #Malaysiabest.
The list compares Malaysia’s GST (6%) to other countries, like the UK (20% VAT) and India (28% GST). It says the citizens of these countries should leave and come to Malaysia where they will enjoy cheaper consumer goods taxes.
Maslan was the second Minister of Finance and Umno information chief before he was mooted to as a Deputy Minister at the Ministry of International Trade and Industry – MITI. From the Umno’s information chief, he was later given the job as the party’s information technology bureau chief.
It has been a long time since Malaysians read about the benefit of having the GST. At one time, it was the role of Mr Maslan to promote and defend the imposition of the GST in the country, to the point that he earned himself the several memes on social media and was jokes about the GST were nicknamed after him.
His campaign was so successful on social media in Malaysia that the video parodies and other jokes and memes became the main campaign element for the opposition fighting against the GST.
Below is the list circulating on WhatsApp in Malaysia:
UK: Don’t like our VAT 20%? You can leave UK and go to Malaysia. Their GST is only 6 %.
INDIA: Don’t agree to our GST 28% you can go to Malaysia it’s only 6%. They also have Tamil schools there not even in north India you have such schools.
U.S. :You want free healthcare? You can leave USA and go to Malaysia . It’s almost free there!
HONG KONG : Cannot afford a house? You can leave Hong Kong and go to Malaysia . Almost everyone above 35 years old own houses there!
PHILIPPINES: What? You want a car? Leave the Philippines and go to Malaysia. Every household owns more than a car there!
INDONESIA: You want a Chinese mayor? Leave Jakarta and go to Penang. The Penang Chief Minister has always been a Chinese, since 1957!.