BR1M must be discontinued, has corruption elements — Azmin

IPOH: The disbursement of the 1Malaysia People’s Aid ( BR1M) initiated by the previous Barisan Nasional should be discontinued as it has elements of corruption to get the support of the people, says Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.

He, however, said the government under the leadership of Pakatan Harapan ( PH) is in the midst of drafting a new initiative that focuses on the welfare of the people and not on bribing or deceiving the people.

“Through the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance, we will certainly give views and present a new initiative on the country’s economic direction in Parliament in the near future.

“If this focus (new initiative) is to empower the people, I believe the people will have more economic power to help ease their cost of living,” Azmin, who is also PKR deputy president, told reporters after officiating at the Perak Branch Annual General Meeting ( MATC) 2018 in Kinta Riverfront Hotel here yesterday.

Pr ime Mini s ter Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was quoted as saying on Saturday that his administration aimed to reduce BR1M in stages before discontinuing it fully.

Meanwhile, Azmin believed that PKR members would evaluate him appropriately based on his credibility and experience in the party and government at the state level for him to retain his party post after the PKR National Congress in November.

“I leave it to the wisdom of every party member and I think my report card reflects the actual situation and it is up to the party members to determine the future of this party.

“I am confident party members wil l uphold good democratic practices with integrity to elect the leaders that can bring PKR towards greater excellence,” he added.

The PKR election for the new term is witnessing the post of PKR deputy president held by Azmin being challenged by PKR vice- president Rafizi Ramli.