Clever Voter: No one disagrees with former PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s analysis. Majority of voters are simple yet gullible people.

But Mahathir should also point out that the electoral system is partly to be blamed. Gerrymandering is a blight, and it probably started during his time.

Ultimately BN has learned that in many ways voters have short memories, and they can be easily won over with money.

Anonymous 539281478077880: Well said, Mahathir. No one can deny this. I remember clearly when the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) was first introduced, cash was handed out by BN parties. It was a gimmick by BN.

Giving out “free money” is not corruption to BN government, I suppose. Definitely the poor rural folks could be easily swayed with this type of “offers”.

Help the people by reducing the cost of living and do away with the GST (Good and Services Tax). This would be more appropriate than giving BRIM.

Anonymous S303: According to Mahathir, this was a comment from a BR1M recipient: “I will support Najib because he gave me money. Mahathir did not give me money.” What a sad statement for one to hear, isn’t it?

These kampung folk “mudah lupa” (easily forgotten) what Mahathir had done for them – free education, including sponsoring their kids to attend foreign universities, heavily discounted homes, buffed-up returns on unit trust schemes, free business licences, employment opportunities which essentially is a dole scheme, resulting in 1.6 million civil servants – they should be upset that the pakcik’s life really did not improve much despite all these handouts.

Anonymous_1375701728: Mahathir, your mind is still very alert. Well said.

The problem is the simple kampong folks still think Najib is God-sent and he is doing them a great favour by distributing BRIM.

The Power of the Dream: Previously, the very mention of Mahathir’s name would bring my blood pressure to a boil and thousands of curses would ooze from my mouth.

Today, it’s no longer the case. I’m shy to admit, he is my hero. His past does not bother me, it’s the present that matters.

Wong Fei Hoong: Najib has turned this country into a country of beggars. Get rid of GST, corruption, mismanagement of funds, unnecessary mega projects, reduce the public service workforce, sell some government jets, etc, and the people will have a better life. BRIM is corruption.

Anonymous S303: “It will not be bribery if the money is disbursed through government officers or through all members of parliament irrespective of parties,” said Mahathir.

But weren’t you the person who divided this country along racial and political lines? The government’s annual allocation was denied to opposition MPs. Your student has now done better than you.

Gerard Lourdesamy: This is what I admire about Mahathir despite past differences of opinion. Clear, concise and to the point.

His explanation is easy to understand and intelligent. This is how the opposition should present its case to the rakyat to explain the pitfalls of BR1M and what the opposition’s alternatives are. Include this in the opposition manifesto.

PKR president Wan Azizah Wan Ismail should learn to be less superficial. Mahathir is a master communicator. Learn from him.

Anonymous 23651434356067: “BRIM is not only a form of corruption but it corrupts the minds of the people.”

Yes, voters would support a party which promises more BRIM in the future. We just hope that people are not cheated since there is no way a government can keep increasing the cash handout.

Justice Fairness: BR1M is directly credited into the recipients’ bank accounts since 2014.

Moreover, BR1M is not a welfare programme for the poor. It is an income re-distribution programme for the bottom 40% – not bottom 5% or 10% or 20%.

If it is about BR1M helping the poor, then the Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat can be abolished, along with other programmes for the hardcore poor or needy, such as e-Kasih.

Even Singapore has a similar programme called GST Voucher where up to SG$500 is given back to the middle class and below.

Penang and Selangor gives out loads of cash aid via their various schemes too – and this is worse as it is not dependent on income levels.

Shut up, Mahathir. Your policies were what resulted in very high income inequality in the first place.

Fairman: During the time of Tunku Abdul Rahman, Abdul Razak Hussein and Hussein Onn when they were PM, there was no cash aid to the people.

Prices of essential items were low, the ringgit was strong and stable, and most importantly, the people trust the government of the day.

Whatever excuses the Najib-led administration gives, BRIM is a form of bribe to win votes. Dr M is correct, BRIM money must be distributed by the wakil rakyat from both BN and opposition, and to the deserving people.

And don’t distribute money during election campaign period.

RR: Mahathir had his faults in the past but this BRIM analysis given by him is indisputable by any sensible and intelligent person.

Worldly Wise: Yes, Mahathir has made a sound comment. Whose money is BN distributing? Is it money “kleptocrated” from taxpayers’ money?

Or is it from Petronas, which is also the rakyat’s money?

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