Refuting former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s claim that BR1M is the government’s tool to buy people’s votes, he told FMT the financial aid is part of the government’s plan to ease the cost of living.

“The government helps them in facing cost of living challenges following the imposition of the goods and services tax (GST) and removal of subsidies for some items.

“Does he (Mahathir) mean the government cannot help the poor?”

Mahathir told a crowd in Alor Star on Sunday that BR1M is Prime Minister Najib Razak’s attempt to garner support for Barisan Nasional.

He added BR1M is also a form of corruption and an unlawful act.

Mahathir’s statement received brickbats from BN politicians such as Salleh Said Keruak, Abdul Rahman Dahlan and Liang Teck Meng.

The former Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) president added there was nothing wrong in handing out money for the needy.

“Other countries also implement similar measures for the low-income groups by, for example, providing food stamps.”

The minister in charge of governance, integrity and human rights added Malaysia opted to give cash as it was more efficient and gave people more choices to purchase what they needed.

Meanwhile, Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) executive director Cynthia Gabriel said financial aid is a common practice in other societies.

“It is a sensible way to return to the people what is rightfully theirs.”

Gabriel, however, raised concerns over how BR1M has been played up to gain votes in general elections.

“We condemn how it has been politicised continuously to win votes,” she said, adding the public should voice out to politicians not to attempt using BR1M for political purposes.