The disbursement of the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) initiated by the previous BN government should be discontinued as it has elements of corruption to obtain the support of the people, said Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali.

However, he said the government under the leadership of Pakatan Harapan was in the midst of drafting a new initiative that focused on the welfare of the people, and not on bribing or deceiving them.

"Through the Economic Affairs and Finance ministries, we will certainly give views and present a new initiative on the country’s economic direction in Parliament in the near future.

“If this focus (new initiative) is to empower the people, I believe the people will have more economic power to help ease their cost of living,” he told reporters after officiating the Perak Branch Annual General Meeting (MATC) 2018 at Kinta Riverfront Hotel in Ipoh today.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was quoted as saying yesterday that his administration aimed to reduce BR1M in stages before it is fully discontinued.

Meanwhile, he believed party members would evaluate him appropriately based on his credibility and experience in the party and government at the state level for him to retain his deputy presidential post after the PKR national congress in November.

“I leave it to the wisdom of every party member and I think my report card reflects the actual situation and it is up to the party members to determine the future of this party.

"I am confident party members will uphold good democratic practices with integrity to elect the leaders that can bring PKR towards greater excellence,” he added.

The PKR election will see vice-president Rafizi Ramli challenge Azmin for the deputy president's post.

- Bernama