‘Set up panel to vet BR1M recipients’
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has been urged to set up a panel to identify those who qualify for the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M).
Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim, who is former socio-cultural adviser to the government, said it would not be fair to label BR1M as a bribe to gain political support from certain quarters.
“The aid is not a bribe. I don’t think (prime minister) Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad meant it that way. Those who are unable to work due to disabilities, joblessness or unfortunate circumstances deserve government aid.
“However, I agree that for people who are fit and able, this can be deemed a bribe.
“There has to be a panel to determine who qualifies for the aid,” he said after officiating the Malaysian History Congress 2018 here yesterday.
Present was Malaysian Historical Society executive committee chairman Tan Sri Omar Mohd Hashim.
Rais said of the RM8 billion allocated for BR1M, two-thirds of the recipients should not have qualified for the aid.
He said Dr Mahathir’s statement was meant to encourage the people to work for reward.
“If we continue to give them aid, then they will become lazy and this is not good.”
On Aug 26, Dr Mahathir said the government would slowly reduce BR1M payout before eventually stopping it.
However, the move was met with criticism by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
He said instead of helping the people during a looming economic crisis, the government seemed more intent on punishing those who needed help.
Dewan Negara Senator Dr Mohd Noor Monutty said the move to phase out BR1M should be done in stages.
“The ringgit needs to be strengthened to avoid imported inflation,” he said in Dewan Negara yesterday.
Later, Noor said the government must provide a conducive environment before stopping financial aid for the people.