BANTING: Those opposing the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) scheme should not insult the people by calling it 'dedak' or animal feed, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.
He said the government had been commended by 35 economic experts from the United Kingdom for introducing the scheme, which they said deemed was a wise economic decision.
"Dedak is animal feed. Don't insult the people by calling it that. We are not giving them animal feed," said Najib.
"BR1M is a package that is meant to stimulate the economy, mainly targeted at the micro level. It is to ensure that the smaller businesses keep going in theae difficult economic times," he said, addressing Umno members gathered for the launch of the Selangor state-wide Umno divisions and wings meetings here.
"By helping people have a little bit more buying power, the smaller businesses will be saved. It is important to also look at it that way. It is not bribery."
Najib raised the point while speaking of his tenure as Umno president, which he said due to the 160,000 delegates who gave him the mandate during the Umno general assembly.
"I am not trying to lead one person, but three million Umno members. I received 160,000 votes from among delegates of the general assembly to become president.
"My fate is in their hands. It is up to those 160,000 delegates to decide whether I remain president or not."