CYBERJAYA: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan has offered his services as a mediator between the Tourism and Culture Ministry and Sabah and Sarawak on the issue regarding tourism tax.
"I don't mind being the mediator – though I don't think the Tourism Ministry needs a mediator for this issue. They are discussing things with Sabah and Sarawak at a higher level now," Rahman told the New Straits Times during a buka puasa event here with 300 Sabahans from his Kota Belud constituency, who are currently residing in the Klang Valley.
Reiterating that the Tourism Ministry needs to explain in details the mechanics of the tourism tax so as to avoid more misunderstandings, the minister said: "They need to come down to Sabah and Sarawak and explain the tourism tax to the state government and the people – even if it's for 1000 times."
Sarawak, who's been vocal about the tourism tax will decide on its stance on the implementation of the new Tourism Tax during the state cabinet meeting on June 22.
State Tourism, Culture, Arts, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he believed the state government will resolve the issue surrounding the new tax bill in a holistic manner.
Rahman, who also heads the Economic Planning Unit, said he personally feels that the tourism tax and its implementation is necessary in order to expand the country's revenue base and help the tourism industry, which has been experiencing budget cuts due to falling revenue.