Lim was referring to Liow’s comments that Pakatan Harapan’s pledge to abolish GST, as contained in its manifesto, was impractical.
Liow said GST was a widely recognised and efficient value-added tax which had been introduced in more than 160 countries.
Lim said Liow’s comments showed his lack of awareness of the burden imposed by GST on the people.
“You look at the statement made by Liow. He is against the abolition of GST. He supports GST. He does not realise how much suffering it brings.
“Only Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders do not suffer — like Liow, Prime Minister Najib Razak, MIC president Dr S Subramaniam and Gerakan president Mah Siew Keong.
“Others suffer,” he told a press conference today.
Lim also pointed out that when the state government built roads, public halls, drains as well as upgraded markets, it had to pay GST as well.
“This is not right. That is why there is a clear choice for the people of Malaysia.”
He further cited how Singapore was increasing its GST from 7% to 9%, although reports had said the increase would only come into effect sometime between 2021 and 2025.
The increase to 9% will also mean GST would have tripled since it was introduced in the 1990s, then at a rate of 3%, Lim said.
“This is why we need to abolish GST in Malaysia so that it will not be raised in future,” he said.
Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, also urged Liow to have a debate with him on the Penang undersea tunnel and three main roads project.
Only by taking up the challenge, Lim said, could Liow show that he could face up to Umno and demand that the Bandar Tun Razak parliamentary seat remains with MCA.
“He should challenge me to a debate. Not (MCA deputy president) Wee Ka Siong. This must be between Number 1 and Number 1. We will then consider it.
“Don’t run away. Face up to the debate challenge, so that you can face up to Umno. Then you can show you are worthy to get the Bandar Tun Razak seat.
“Najib has already indicated clearly that the seat is to be contested by Umno. How will Umno respect you if you do not dare to debate?”
Apart from Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Seputeh, Bukit Bintang and Wangsa Maju are all traditional MCA seats.
Liow had recently denied that MCA would let go of the Bandar Tun Razak seat to Umno in the 14th general election.