PM: Increased BR1M payout reflects BN's sound economic policy

LANGKAWI: Sound economic management and prudent policy have enabled the government to distribute more wealth to the people by increasing the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) and other cash payouts.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said by managing the economic well, the country had recorded a steady growth and, at the same time, managed the national debt at a healthy level.

He said the success in achieving 5.9 per cent gross domestic product (GDP) growth last year was made possible due to Barisan Nasional’s sound economic policy, which helped the government record a higher revenue.

“By collecting more revenue and taxes from well-to-do people, the government can distribute even more of the country’s wealth to the needy.

“Because of this, we can increase the BR1M handout to the target groups, in line with the BN and Umno policy of distributing wealth to the people.

“This June, BR1M recipients will get RM800 instead of RM400, an increase of 100 per cent.

“Just imagine how this will benefit the people in preparing for the fasting month and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

“It is part of the government’s pledge to distribute the wealth back to the people.

“It’s not a tool to fish for support,” Najib said during a gathering with the people at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre here .

Present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, Langkawi member of parliament Datuk Nawawi Ahmad, Ayer Hangat assemblyman Datuk Mohd Rawi Abdul Hamid and Kuah assemblyman Nor Saidi Nayan.

Najib said the government had always prioritised two things — putting the people first and strengthening the economy.

He said as a responsible government, BN would not resort to taking measures that could jeopardise the country’s economy, as in the end, it was the people who would have to shoulder the burden.

“Unlike the opposition pact, which wants to abolish toll concessions nationwide just to fish for support... It is a move that will cost the government RM380 billion.

“That does not make sense and is not doable. Ironically, the person who is proposing this was known as the father of toll concessions during his time as the premier.

“It is during my administration that the government has taken steps to stop toll fare collection in several expressways to reduce the people’s burden,” he said.

Najib said that was why international rating agencies did not show support for the opposition’s manifesto for the 14th General Election, because the pledges were not realistic and would have a negative impact on the economy.

“Instead, international rating agencies favour BN’s manifesto as it is practical and deliverable.”

He said his administration had managed the nation’s debt to a healthy level through a prudent expenditure policy.

“Previously, when someone was in power, the nation’s debt was at a staggering 103 per cent. But now, we have reduced it to 58 per cent of the GDP.”