UNPOPULAR measures, such as reduced or scrapped cash aid, led to the drop in support for Pakatan Harapan after the 14th general election, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

These measures include reducing the RM450 aid for unmarried Malaysians in the Bottom 40 (B40) group and scrapping the one-off cash incentive to fishermen.

“This was the former government’s way of buying support. The present administration will not encourage such practices,” said the prime minister in a recent interview ahead of PH’s first anniversary in power.

“They may be unhappy now, but the people will thank the government later for improving the quality of their lives.

“Fishermen were getting RM300 without catching fish while bachelors were getting RM450. All sorts of people were getting money.”

He said keeping up with such practices will make the current government as corrupt as its predecessor, and defeats the purpose of its anti-graft stance. 

“This is bribery and we don’t even have the money to do so (pay bribes) because we did not steal money.”

On that note, many had become disappointed with PH, which led to the waning support.

Many, he said had turned a blind eye to the previous government’s wrongs not because they liked them but because they were reaping the benefits in the form of extra income.

While PH’s measures are unpopular, its ultimate aim is to improve the livelihood of the people.

“It is difficult, but we are going to make people feel that it is normal for them to not be supported with money,” he said.

“After some time, people will start to appreciate.”

On Merdeka Centre’s recent survey which found declining support for the prime minister and PH, Dr Mahathir said the pollster could make its estimates but  they do not represent the views of the whole country. 

He said he has not come across people taking jibes at him, except for the press. 

The 93-year-old said it is natural that there are quarters that are against him.

“I like to be told when I am wrong so that I can correct myself.

“There are people who are quite friendly they shake my hand, smile and say ‘I love you’.”

Dr Mahathir, however, said all is not rosy for PH, especially when dealing with the sentiments in the Malay heartland on the economy.

“The government has to meet with such groups to explain its ideas to improve their economic status,” he said. 

“If we don’t meet them, we cannot explain. Media reports are not enough to explain the real situation.”

He said he has to date met no less then 50 groups who have aired their concerns. 

“Our way is to change the way they make money. They must make money.”

While there government has ideas, such as diversifying crops to improve their income, such moves are still met with some resistance. 

Dr Mahathir, however, said it will take time to make a change. – May 8, 2019.