SHAH ALAM: PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali is standing firm by his belief that the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) scheme is 'corrupt' and that it will not be continued if Pakatan Harapan were to win the 14th General Election.
He maintained that it is a form of bribery.
“BR1M is corrupt and I will fight against corruption.
“Why should I condone such acts,” he asked when met by reporters at the state secretariat building after addressing the monthly state assembly, here today.
His stand appears to be in stark contrast with that of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who has since backpedaled on his earlier claims that BR1M should be abolished.
At the launch of PPBM over the weekend, Dr Mahathir had said that the BR1M assistance would be continued if the opposition pact succeeds in taking over Putrajaya.
Dr Mahathir had said that the financial assistance to the people will be made into 'statutory assistance' which will determined by the law and budget.
Azmin noted that Dr Mahathir had said that if necessary, BR1M will be maintained through an institution which will be more transparent.
“It will not be managed by politicians, unlike what is happening now. Such financial assistance should not be included in the election manifesto,” said Azmin.
Last year, Dr Mahathir had claimed that BR1M was a form of corruption. He had accused Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak of using the aid to win public support for the coming 14th General Election.