SHAH ALAM, Feb 17 ― Issues relating to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and living costs would be the main determining factors as to who wins the next general election, a researcher said today.

In a forum to discuss findings of the issues and perceptions of Selangor voters for the upcoming 14th general election here, Institut Darul Ehsan (IDE) deputy chairman and chief executive Prof Datuk Dr Mohammad Redzuan Othman said that even many who support Barisan Nasional are against the consumption tax.

"For the question; GST should not be implemented because it causes an increase in the price of things, 62 per cent even among BN supporters reject GST.

"Generally, in the context of Selangor voters, 78 per cent reject GST. Meaning, in the upcoming general election, GST and increase in the piece of things would be the issues which would determine who wins and who loses,” he added.

Mohammad Redzuan pointed out that living cost issues, when left longer without proper management, would pressure the people and lead to political repercussions.

He said that of the eight questions posted to 2,018 respondents, to choose which topic is of the most concern to them, most marked living cost and GST.

"We asked them (questions) and out of seven to eight questions which cover price of goods, PTPTN, influx of illegal immigrants, crimes, we found that the number one was price of goods,” he added.

The survey was conducted for five days between February 8 to February 13, covering 56 state constituencies in Selangor.