Sabah assembly passes sales tax amendment bill
Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025
By: Abbey Junior Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Assembly passed the Sales Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025 today, aimed at strengthening the state's taxation framework and improving revenue governance. Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the 37 amendments were part of a broader effort to modernise the revenue system to be more transparent, effective, and fair. He assured that the revised law provides mechanisms for appeal, instalment payments, and composite assessments, prioritising fairness and taxpayer rights. However, nominated assemblyman Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee raised constitutional concerns, especially over a clause limiting judicial review. Kapayan assemblywoman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang supported the bill in principle but objected to provisions requiring payment before appeal, the inclusion of "negligence" as an offence, and potentially excessive anti-avoidance powers. Despite the concerns, the bill was passed by voice vote. * Read full report in tomorrow's print paper or log in or sign up for e-paper and premium online news access. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
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