Najib hits out at Nik Aziz for insulting BR1M recipients
(The Star) – Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has chided Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat for denouncing the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M), saying the PAS spiritual adviser had insulted the people.
The Prime Minister said BR1M was meant to help the people, particularly the lower-income groups, and was no different from financial assistance given in other countries.
“So what Nik Aziz said was an insult to the people and was really too much,” he told a press conference after chairing a meeting with state Barisan Nasional leaders and elected representatives here yesterday.
Nik Aziz had said that giving cash handouts was like luring farm livestock to animal feed.
“It is like scattering padi and coconut husks in front of chickens and cows to entice them to come closer,” he was reported as saying on Wednesday.
Defending BR1M, Najib said it was a way of giving subsidies in a more focused manner.
The Government had been giving indirect subsidies for fuel, rice, flour, sugar and other necessities amounting to some RM30bil a year.
“However, these indirect subsidies are also benefiting those who are not eligible, including the rich.
“Through BR1M, we can determine those who really need it,” he said.
Najib also questioned whether there was a difference between BR1M and the financial assistance given by the Selangor government.
“They promise RM250 for single mothers every month, an allowance for preschool, free water and all sorts of things. Isn’t this financial aid?
“Why should Nik Aziz denounce what we do but when Pakatan Rakyat gives assistance he doesn’t say anything?
“Where is the consistency if he thinks one is not a good practice and equates it to animals receiving feed, but not the other?”
