Barakah scheme no ‘candy’ for people of Kedah – Umno youth

ALOR SETAR: The Kedah People’s Aid ( Barakah) scheme is no ‘candy’ as claimed by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad but the efforts of various agencies to help the poor.

Kedah Umno Youth chief Zainol Abidin said the scheme is implemented consistently, without having to wait for the general election or after a visit by opposition leaders to certain areas.

“Let Tun Dr Mahathir claim that Barakah is ‘candy’ from the state government just like when he made a polemic of the 1Malaysia People’s Aid ( BR1M) scheme by claiming it was corruption.

“For Tun Dr Mahathir it may be ‘candy’ because he and his family have become rich because of their ‘ business acumen’,” he said cynically when commenting on Dr Mahathir’s latest blog posting claiming that Barakah is government ‘candy’ for the people.

Introduced in April 2016, Barakah coordinates aid to the Kedah people via five components – Barakah Insan, Barakah Kemasyarakatan, Barakah Usahaniaga, Barakah Anak Muda, Barakah Pendidikan and Barakah Modal Insan.

Shaiful Hazizy said Dr Mahathir’s son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz failed to implement the Barakah scheme when he was the Kedah menteri besar although it was in the pledge of the 13th general election (GE13).

“A menteri besar should not blame others or look for excuses such as lack of federal cooperation, but show dedication and take risks for the people. Kedah Umno Youth appreciates the efforts and commitment of Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah to champion the people,” he added.