BR1M need not be continued, Dr M tells Najib
BernamaPublished: Oct 2, 2013 12:55 AM | Updated: Oct 2, 2013 10:12 AM
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) need not be continued in the Budget 2014 in a bid to reduce the people's dependency on the government.
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) need not be continued in the Budget 2014 in a bid to reduce the people's dependency on the government.
Instead, he said the government should find a way to train the people, especially the underprivileged, with certain skills that could become their source of income.
"We rarely appreciate the things we get for free, including the BR1M.
"That is why it should be given only to hardcore poor and those with disabilities," he told reporters after speaking at 'An Evening With Dr Mahathir Mohamad' programme in Petaling Jaya yesterday.
He said this when asked about his suggestions for the Budget 2014, scheduled to be tabled by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak on Oct 25.
Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir (right) said Malaysia's economy would not suffer major impact following the United States (US) government shutdown as the bilateral trade between the two countries had declined over the years.
"More or less, the effect will be felt, but our trade is not with the US alone," he said.
The US government went into a partial shutdown as lawmakers missed the deadline to pass a budget amid differences in Congress over how to deal with President Barack Obama's health care programme.
The former prime minister also said Shiite teachings should not be practised in this country as this could cause tension and divide its Muslim community.
Dr Mahathir, who is also the Perdana Global Peace Foundation chairperson, said the existence of both Sunni and Shiite practices in a country usually caused animosity among Muslims to the extent of tearing apart the community.
"I am not saying that they are wrong or we are wrong," he told reporters.
He said religious interpretations should not be too different to the extent of causing bloodshed.
"We don't want to see this happening here," he said.
Dr Mahathir said Muslims in Malaysia had all this while been fortunate as they had all been practising Sunni teachings but now Shiite teachings had spread among some.
"One day, they may quarrel, have separate mosques (for Sunnis and Shiites), and even kill each other. We don't want this to happen.
"If in Iran, they (Iranians) want to follow their religion (Syiah), it's up to them but if they come here, please don't disturb us," he said.
- Bernama
Instead, he said the government should find a way to train the people, especially the underprivileged, with certain skills that could become their source of income.
"We rarely appreciate the things we get for free, including the BR1M.
"That is why it should be given only to hardcore poor and those with disabilities," he told reporters after speaking at 'An Evening With Dr Mahathir Mohamad' programme in Petaling Jaya yesterday.He said this when asked about his suggestions for the Budget 2014, scheduled to be tabled by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak on Oct 25.
Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir (right) said Malaysia's economy would not suffer major impact following the United States (US) government shutdown as the bilateral trade between the two countries had declined over the years.
"More or less, the effect will be felt, but our trade is not with the US alone," he said.
The US government went into a partial shutdown as lawmakers missed the deadline to pass a budget amid differences in Congress over how to deal with President Barack Obama's health care programme.
The former prime minister also said Shiite teachings should not be practised in this country as this could cause tension and divide its Muslim community.
Dr Mahathir, who is also the Perdana Global Peace Foundation chairperson, said the existence of both Sunni and Shiite practices in a country usually caused animosity among Muslims to the extent of tearing apart the community.
"I am not saying that they are wrong or we are wrong," he told reporters.
He said religious interpretations should not be too different to the extent of causing bloodshed.
"We don't want to see this happening here," he said.
Dr Mahathir said Muslims in Malaysia had all this while been fortunate as they had all been practising Sunni teachings but now Shiite teachings had spread among some.
"One day, they may quarrel, have separate mosques (for Sunnis and Shiites), and even kill each other. We don't want this to happen.
"If in Iran, they (Iranians) want to follow their religion (Syiah), it's up to them but if they come here, please don't disturb us," he said.
- Bernama
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