It is Barisan’s pledge to continue paying BR1M until 2018, says Ahmad Maslan The Malaysian Insider

The 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) is here to stay for another four years at least, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan said today.

Calling it Barisan Nasional's (BN) pledge in their manifesto for the 13th General Election, Ahmad Maslan said the government will make BR1M payments until 2018, Bernama reported.

He added that hence, it cannot be withdrawn but must be continued.

"We not only promised to continue the BR1M payments for five years but to increase the quantum yearly to RM1,200 in the fifth year. For 2015 the amount is RM950," Bernama quoted him as saying in a press conference following a briefing session on the Goods and Service Tax (GST) for TM employees in Port Dickson today.

Ahmad Maslan also compared the way Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad used to stimulate the economy, saying that the former prime minister did so by giving more projects for Class F contractors then.

In contrast, the Umno information chief said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak wanted  to spur the economy by providing aid to the people who need it most directly, and in the form of BR1M so as to have a multiplier effect.

"So, BR1M is not corruption as alleged by certain quarters. If it was corruption, we would have only given it once before the election... this is why we are giving it yearly," he said, according to Bernama.

Earlier today, Ahmad Maslan said he will propose that the pump price of RON95 petrol be cut, if crude oil prices go down to between US$70 to US$75 per barrel.

"I was told by officers in charge of petrol subsidy matters that when crude oil prices is at between US$70 to US$75 per barrel, the cost of fuel will be lower than the current pump price of RM2.30 per litre.

"As deputy finance minister, I will propose to the Fiscal Policy Committee that the price of petrol be reduced from RM2.30 per litre," he was quoted by Bernama as saying in Malacca.

Crude petrol now costs US$79.41 per barrel.

He added that he hopes traders will also cut prices of goods and services if petrol pump prices are reduced.

He will also propose that no additional tax be charged on RON95, he said.

Pakatan Rakyat representatives have pointed out that consumers will effectively be paying the government a tax on petrol if the price remains at RM2.30 per litre, once crude oil prices go down to US$73 per barrel. – November 16, 2014.