Jomo: BR1M one of Najib's successes

The Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) cash handout is one of the Najib Abdul Razak administration's successes, said prominent economist Jomo Kwame Sundaram.

This amid opposition criticism that BR1M is "political corruption" and a stop gap measure to address social welfare.

"I think (BR1M) is one of the successes of the present regime, but it was really due to the fact that labour unions and NGOs and opposition parties have campaigned for decades for some kind of improved social provisioning," he said in a forum titled 'Integration with Integrity' in Kuala Lumpur today.

The former United Nations assistant secretary-general said this does not mean the distribution is not problematic.

"I very much agree that the way BR1M and other payouts are managed right now is basically used essentially to bribe people, but the point I was trying to make is a different one.

"We are a wealthy enough country that there should not be anybody under the poverty line, that there should not be anybody who does not have access to decent health services," he explained.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had repeatedly accused the BN government of using BR1M to bribe the electorate.

However, at the launch of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) last night, he indicated that he is open to maintaining the programme if the opposition, along with his party, were to come to power.

Mahathir, who is Bersatu chairperson, said BR1M will be maintained if the policy is found to be necessary.

However, he said any attempt to use the policy to fish for votes will be done away with.

“If BR1M is found to be important, then the money will be distributed by government officers.

“BR1M cannot be included in the manifesto of any political parties," he had said.

Households with income under RM3,000 are expected to receive RM1,200 in BR1M cash handout this year.

Households with income between RM3,000 to RM4,000 will receive RM900, while singles with an income under RM2,000 will receive RM450.

KJ: End the war of words over BR1M

Separately, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin maintained that the current government would retain BR1M as a policy which has been proven to benefit the people.

Asked whether Mahathir could be labelled as a hypocrite for his wavering stand, Khairy said: "I don't want to label (anyone) anything because it would drag on and become a polemic that would (also) tarnish BR1M."

"Why do we (continue to) comment and engage in a war of words over BR1M, when BR1M itself is a good policy...?" he asked when met after closing Bank Negara Malaysia's Finance Carnival at Dewan Tun Razak 1, PWTC.

"I am grateful that finally Tun Mahathir now supports BR1M. Finally the effectiveness of BR1M is being recognised by Tun himself," the Rembau MP added.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak earlier condemned Mahathir for doing a "U-turn" on BR1M.- Mkini