Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has denied allegations by Pakatan Harapan chairperson and former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad that the goods and services tax (GST) was implemented to cover debts incurred by 1MDB.

Yesterday, Mahathir had said 1MDB’s debts had effectively been taken on by the public through higher taxes, including the GST.

“To say that the GST stems from the failures of the administration is a lie. Mahathir does not care (about lying) as long as he gets to topple the government.

“I hope Malaysians will reject (such) lies that are only aimed at garnering support, that have no regard for the country and the people,” Najib said in a blog post on his personal website today, adding that 160 other countries had implemented the GST as well...