No double standard please

ONE famous writer said mature democratic countries rely on tax rather than natural resources. It is obvious that a city state like Singapore has no natural resource to rely on like big states. But they can stand as a success nation. What made them real different among others? Perhaps, they are lucky to have a statesman in their early independent days. They tried to nurse a meritocracy based society and emphasis on human resource. Once their system starts work, they don't need to worry about success. It seem keep going and sustainable success for the nation of educated people.

I read a tax related article written by local writer with interest. He highlighted how a handful of people got privileged to avoid income tax or trade tax legally while others are paying their hard earn money. The parliament is now trying to amend prevailing tax regularities. Uncertain on whether widening tax base society or increasing the percentage of income tax. The writer wisely pointed out that the government should address the real problem attached to current bureaucracy which allow cronies and their relatives get special chances through their power. He added these people are a handful and approximately 10% of population and the remaining 90% are struggling to earn their daily necessities. He said, making those privileged people pay tax according to the la would generate more than squeeze 90% of poor and will earn the state more.

As long as lack of transparency exist, we, people, will refuse to pay their tax regardless of amount. The authorities should lead by setting themselves as an ideal people. What people thinking now is that if cronies can evade tax, why not us? If we pay tax, it will easily drain to the authority's personal account. Such mindset will keep discourage them paying tax. We got to change it by acting. We got to see rule of law against all offenders who evade taxes. Otherwise it is always easier said than done. The law should be level played for all individual if we are supposed to pay income tax, as a part of helping building our nation.