The expression which has its origins in the United States of America – in the early settlers’ dealings with the native Americans, otherwise known as “Red Indians” – is used to describe a person who gives a “gift” and later wants it back, or who expects something of equivalent worth in return for the item.
“So, whatever benefits that might accrue to the needy and the poor as result of the 2018 budget would be rendered null without the removal of the goods and services tax (GST),” Ramasamy said.
“The Barisan Nasional government is like an ‘Indian giver’, that is what it gives in the right hand takes it away in the left hand.”
He also cautioned against those who say it is an election budget, with the “BN government wanting to create a situation where negative feelings can be erased”, as the goodies might not last long.
“The effect of the GST, the decline in the value of the ringgit and the rise in the prices of goods might among others negate whatever good that might arise from the budget.”
Ramasamy, who is Penang deputy chief minister II, added that the GST was only imposed to cover for the losses of billions due to corruption.
“Billions of ringgit was drained off from the coffers of the taxpayers as a result of the 1MDB multi-billion dollar scandal.
“The GST was a pathetic response by the government to address the lack of public funds as a result. And its imposition has caused untold suffering to all classes of Malaysians especially those in the lower-income category,” he said.
The DAP deputy secretary-general also called out the government for boasting about Budget 2018 when the GST “the sword of Damocles hangs around the necks of Malaysians”.
“What is the point of announcing a series of goodies if these do not really make an impact on the lives of ordinary Malaysians.
“The budget might be considered the ‘mother of all budgets’ in terms of its expenditure but where the government will draw upon its financial resouces remains a question,” Ramasamy said.