KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Government has always supported the implementation of 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) as it greatly assisted the people, especially those in the lower income bracket.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman said BR1M was a sound government policy as it provided a breather for those who need a little assistance income wise.
“The payment of BR1M may seem insignificant to some but it goes a long way in helping those whose earnings are low or non existent,” he said.
He said the provision of BR1M was testimony of the government’s effort to genuinely ease the people’s burden.
“Some of its detractors are changing their minds now. By saying that they will continue with the payments if they capture Putrajaya shows that they realize the benefit it has brought to the people,” he said.
He said the about-turn by some on BR1M also appeared to be a political ploy to win the people over.
“The people must realize that BR1M is a policy implemented under the BN government led by Prime Minister Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak. No one else can claim credit,” he said.
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had said that the opposition was prepared to give BR1M to the people if it led the government later. His statement completely contradicted his previous stand when he frequently claimed that BR1M was a form of corruption and thus illegal in terms of the law.