‘BR1M NOT AN INSULT’
It is not to aid those who are rich like Dr Mahathir’s son, says Najib
THE 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) programme was introduced to help the people, and should never be described as “an insult to the poor”, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
“We want to help the poor. Rich people like (Tan Sri) Mokhzani (Mahathir), are already rich; he has 23 sports cars and a private jet. The BN government is the one that can help you. The aid we give, it should not be described as an insult to the poor.
“We help the poor so they can be successful. At least they are not suffering and have something to cook. When ‘Hari Raya’ arrives, RM800 will be provided, and this is the time where your wife and children can get their baju raya and others,” he said.
He said this at the “Hebatkan Negaraku” event at the Sungai Siput Convention Centre here yesterday.
Present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Sungai Siput parliamentary seat candidate Datuk Seri S.K. Devamany, Lintang state seat candidate Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun and Jalong state seat candidate Datuk Tan Lian Hoe.
It was reported that Mokhzani, the son of Langkawi seat candidate Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, had said receiving BR1M handouts was insignificant.
Najib said BR1M and other forms of aid were offered to the people as the economy was good.
“When we have more revenue, we give back to the people. But some quarters are talking bad about GST (the Goods and Services Tax), but we should realise that 600 items are excluded from it. Mackerel is excluded from GST, rice... No GST, formula milk, medicine, also no GST. Don’t blame GST. There are 164 countries implementing it and we are among those that offer the lowest (GST tax) rate.”