Azmin agrees with Dr M, BR1M a form of corruption

PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali today echoed former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamed's claim that the Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia was a form of corruption practiced by the federal government.

"To me BR1M is one form of bribery. I have said on many occasions that it is one form of bribery.

"A bribe can be given in many forms. Because if it was (supposed to be) an economic aid, it (BR1M) does not empower the people," Azmin told reporters outside the Shah Alam district police station this evening.

This was despite PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail disagreeing with Mahathir, saying that it was the people's right to take what was given by the government.

Asked for comments on Wan Azizah's statement, Azmin however said: "You must see in what context. I don't think it's fair to put the blame on the president of Keadilan."

"I have explained the context is that BR1M is a form of bribery practiced by Putrajaya," he said.

Mahathir had earlier this week repeated his claim that BR1M was a form of "corruption" and this time calling it "illegal" as well.

The Selangor menteri besar, meanwhile, also distanced himself from the Sabak Bernam's local council's recent demolition of Sekin Fisherman Village Hotel and Resort owned by Umno Sungai Besar chief Jamal Md Yunos.

"That (demolition) is a standard practice by all district offices and local council. Nothing to do with Shah Alam (menteri besar's office).

"That is under their jurisdiction to carry out their duties under existing laws," said Azmin when asked for comments on his alleged vendetta against the red-shirts leader.

The demolition last week was carried out just one day after Jamal had protested against water cuts in Selangor outside the state-secretariat's office.

On Jamal's suit against the state government, Azmin merely said, "it's good that he has learnt how to sue".

Jamal yesterday filed an injunction to stop the defendants from demolishing the premises and another injunction to prevent them from stopping its operations.

He is also seeking RM140,000 in damages following the disturbance caused by the authorities and damages for the demolition.- Mkini