In fact, the opposition comprising Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Mahathir’s Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) may even convert it into a statutory aid, he added.
“If it is found that BR1M is important, then the money will be distributed by government officers. BR1M cannot be included in any party’s manifesto.
“If it is agreed by the people, BR1M will become statutory aid that is determined by laws and ordinary budget.
“The prime minister cannot determine its distribution, the amount, or the way it is handed out,” said Mahathir.
The nation’s longest-serving prime minister when he was in power, was speaking to thousands of PPBM members at the formal launch of the party in Malawati Stadium here, last night.
Mahathir had repeatedly claimed that BRIM, introduced in 2012, is illegal, calling it a form of bribery to buy the support of the public.
BN leaders, in turn, defended the scheme, saying it was a form of subsidy targeted at the lower-income group.
Last night, Mahathir promised to gradually abolish the Goods and Services Tax (GST), replacing it instead with a sales tax. He didn’t elaborate.
GST, implemented in 2015, was heavily criticised by the opposition as well as the public, which blamed it for the rising cost of goods and services. The opposition had promised to “zero-rate” it if they become the government.
Mahathir during his hour-long speech also talked about the depreciating ringgit, saying if the opposition were the government, it would protect the currency without selling the country’s USD reserves.
“We will come up with more effective methods to help our currency recover so the public won’t be burdened by it, especially those with children studying overseas.”
The PPBM chairman said he would return freedom of speech and expression that has been suppressed by the current government.
This is line with the opposition’s goal of making Malaysia a truly democratic country, he added.
“This means the public will be free to report, or take to task, any leader who they believed has committed a crime.
“There will be no bias in the law enforcement. Public prosecutors would not be able to classify any public report as Official Secret, or cover up any crime.”