BR1M: Dr Mahathir's remarks emotional, full of hatred

Kedah Barisan Nasional (BN) Youth chief Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin said they were insulting to the low income group (recipients) who need the financial aid to reduce the cost of living.

"BR1M is a social welfare scheme just like the one in Great Britain which provides allowance to the unemployed, the single mothers and big families," he said a statement, here today.

He said RM5 billion was spent on 6.7 million BR1M recipients who were not screened in terms of ideology, religion, race and political affiliation.

Local media reported yesterday that Mahathir claimed that BR1M was a form of corruption, against the law and thus a crime.

Shaiful said since BR1M was introduced three years ago, the recipients were not intimidated or forced to support the ruling party.

"The issue of corruption does not arise. Corruption means giving something with the hope of getting something in return.

"Mahathir has also insulted members of his party (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia) and members of parties under Pakatan Harapan who are listed as recipients of BR1M."

Shaiful challenged members of parties under Pakatan Harapan to reject BR1M if they have the dignity and principles.