Gerakan Vice President Dato’ Mah Siew Keong suggests the government to alter the tax relief for educational purposes in the 2013 Budget as a governmental incentive for the taxpayers, spouses and their children to upgrade themselves through further studies.

“Although education may not be the only way that will lead us to socio-economic prosperity but realistically it is a pragmatic way to transform the nation on becoming a high-income nation. Education is a genuine concern because it is about empowering people with the skill, knowledge, attitude and aspiration that lead to self-enhancement. Some believe that in order to have a brighter future with better per capita income for the nation, higher literacy rate is prerequisite. Therefore, people should be encouraged to acquire higher education in order to upgrade themselves and subsequently make a positive impact by leading the country towards becoming a high-income nation,” said Dato’ Mah.

Therefore, Dato’ Mah opines that the government should consider on the taxpayers’ position when determining the tax relief regulations as the inflation has been aggravating the life burden of the people as many of them are struggling to make ends meet.

“In view of this, I propose a tax relief of RM2,000 instead of RM1,000 to be given to children aged below 18 regardless of whether the children is studying or not. Meanwhile, it is also advisable that a tax relief of RM6,000 instead of RM4,000 be given to children above 18 studying in local university, colleges or similar establishment. Furthermore, an additional tax relief of RM3,000 for children who are studying abroad also be given,” suggested Dato’ Mah.

Apart from this, Dato’ Mah also proposes a tax relief of RM8,000 instead of RM5,000 for educational fees paid by the taxpayer to acquire technical, vocational, industrial, scientific, technological, law, accounting, Islamic financing, skills or qualification at tertiary level or any course of study at postgraduate level.

Besides, an additional tax relief of RM2,000 is also suggested to be added as an incentive for working adults or professionals that enrolled in short-term courses or training programmes as a government effort on promoting the continuing education for adults or adult education in the country.

Dato’ Mah Siew Keong, who is also the Chief of the Gerakan Central Economic Bureau also suggests a tax relief increment of RM2,000 instead of RM1,000 to be claimed for the purchase of books, magazines and other publication for oneself, spouse or children to promote the reading culture among Malaysian.