PAKATAN Harapan’s pledge to retain, but fine-tune, the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) will not be an easy task as the scheme’s challenges would be the same, said an analyst.

The challenges include determining the eligibility of recipients and ensuring the distribution network is efficiently run, said Ilham Centre executive director Mohamad Hisommudin Bakar.

In the opposition pact’s 200-page manifesto released on Wednesday, PH promised to retain elements of BR1M in a new “cash transfer scheme” but with a more “fair” distribution model.

PH proposed that a new agency be tasked to run the aid programme, which it says will prioritise qualified recipients in rural areas, particularly in Kedah, Kelantan, Sabah as well as Felda and Felcra settlements.

The scheme would later be expanded for the hardcore poor at other states.

“The implementation of this scheme will require significant upgrades in data and information management handled by the government,” the manifesto read.

Currently, BR1M applicants are required to apply online or at the nearest district office, the Federal Development Department (JPP) or the Inland Revenue Board (IRB).

IRB is then tasked with cross referencing income records of applicants.

Hisommudin said PH’s decision to keep the BR1M showed the popularity of the scheme among its recipients.

“The retention of BR1M by Pakatan indicates the deep effect this programme has on the people and the difficulty in rolling back this policy,” he said.

However, he said the issue of data management to ensure fair distribution would pose a challenge to the new government.

“The precision of the distribution of cash subsidies would require that all government agencies share information to ensure that the most qualified recipients get their share,” he said.

This year, the cash aid is deposited directly into recipients’ bank accounts.

Prior to this, BR1M vouchers were distributed in public spaces such as schools, district offices, participating banks and sometimes at Barisan Nasional component party premises.

In all cases, accessing the cash aid has proven to be difficult for the rural poor.

Hisommudin added that elderly recipients may also face trouble opening a bank account or commuting long distances to the cities or towns to apply for the cash aid.

Other weaknesses that PH can improve upon is delivering the cash aids on time.

Aid for political gain

PH’s manifesto also stated that qualified recipients will continue to receive assistance and that the payment process will be free of discrimination or partisanship.

Hisommudin said ensuring that PH does not gain political mileage from the scheme was a welcome pledge, as it would “ensure all people, regardless of political background, will receive assistance and that the process is not abused”.

“Potential trouble that may arise is the manner in which the distribution would be carried out. In the past, the biggest issue was that recipients were made to gather together to hear a series of ceramah by the government and politicians, and made to line up before receiving the cash aid,” he said.

“Politicising the aid gave an edge to the ruling government, bolstering support through the BR1M programme.”

A total of RM26.2 billion has been distributed since BR1M began in 2012.

The programme currently provides direct financial assistance to households earning less than RM3,000 a month via a cash voucher worth RM1,200, to be made in three payments.

Households that earn below RM4,000 will receive RM900. Single adults above 21 years of age and earning below RM2,000 will receive a one-off payment of RM450.

BR1M was drafted under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), Prime Minister Najib Razak’s initiative to turn Malaysia to a high-income economy. The programme is implemented by the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu), a unit under the Prime Minister’s Department. ­– March 10, 2018.