Mahathir open to maintaining BR1M if opposition comes to power

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has indicated that he is open to maintaining the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) cash handout if the opposition, along with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), comes to power.

Mahathir, who is also 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 told a crowd of over 5,000 people at the official launch of the party at Stadium Malawati in Shah Alam tonight.

The 13,000-capacity stadium was around half-filled but was thinner on the uppermost level.

Mahathir said BR1M will be institutionalised without the involvement of politics.

“If the rakyat agree, BR1M will become a statutory aid that will be determined by law and budget.

“The prime minister cannot decide on the handout, its amount or method of distribution,” he said.

Mahathir assured that the poor and needy will be taken care of.

“The question of their support will have nothing to do with the aid given to them,” he said.

Mahathir had repeatedly accused the BN government of using BR1M to bribe the electorate.

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.- Mkini