(Malay Mail Online) – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak reiterated that the 1 Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) is not a failure despite Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s criticism of the direct cash hand-outs.
Najib also said that BR1M is how the government is using public funds to help Malaysians cope with rising costs, adding that this was important for the development of the country rather than focusing only on big projects.
“If he (Mahathir) doesn’t agree with BR1M, I think it is good. If BR1M is used well, the people can use the money to buy rice, milk, sugar and clothes for their children,” he said in a speech while meeting Umno veterans at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) today.
“We should not just prioritise big projects. If we have extra funds, we have to distribute it to those in need especially those of low-income groups and poor he said.
He insisted that he saw no wrong in BR1M and was convinced of its popularity by those who asked him to increase the amount.
The BR1M is among the issues that former prime minister Dr Mahathir said required Najib to resign as prime minister.
Others include the allegations surrounding 1 Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and the 2006 murder of Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu.
Dr Mahathir previously categorised the BR1M handouts as akin to failed socialist and communist policies that will only make people dependent on the government and reduce their competitiveness.
The BR1M was first introduced in 2012 ostensibly as a one-off aid to help low-income households cope with rising cost of living.
The cash handout was later institutionalised, expanded and increased.
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