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Mired in its first recession in 13 years, Malaysia's 1999 Budget
announced on October 23, 1998 is expansionary and pro-business planned to stimulate
the national economic situation through major fiscal and other measures. The 1999
Budget follows and complement measures adopted in July under the National Economic
Recovery Plan and capital controls introduced last month. The thrust is to focus
on immediate reflationary measures to shorten the time lag for the effect of the
recently introduced monetary measures to filter through to the economy.
Despite experiencing a contraction in the GDP growth of estimated 4.8%, the country
is boasting a balance of payments current account surplus of RM20 billion or 7.7%
of GNP and an improved external reserves of US$22.99 billion as at October 22, 1998.
The 1999 Budget strategy is aimed at :
- reviving economic activities and insulating the economy from the
contagion effects of the regional financial crisis to stabilise the financial market
and the value of the Ringgit;
- strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the nation's
economy;
- restructuring the financial sector and improving governance in
the private and public sectors;
- strengthening further the balance of payments; and
- ensuring social well being.
The Update is divided into two main parts. The first covers the
1999 Budget tax proposals and the second, other recent tax and investment developments.
The first part is based on the Finance (No.2) Bill 1998, the Budget Speech and other
indirect tax instruments. The proposed changes herein are subject to enactment.
As this publication has been prepared for clients and associates by way of general
information, further details may be required. Readers are kindly advised to consult
with us at any of our offices shown on the back cover before acting on any material
contained in this publication.
Kassim Chan Tax Services Sdn Bhd
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Tax Services Sdn Bhd
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
October 23, 1998
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Kassim Chan Tax Services Sdn Bhd and Deloitte Touche
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