If the opposition regards the government giving the people various forms of aid as bribery, they should reject such aid including subsidies for essential goods.

NONE Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the various aid such as the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) were given by the government to lessen the people's financial burden and not as bribes in facing the 13th general election.

He was speaking at the handing-out of BRIM to residents in the Bera parliamentary constituency at the Rakan Muda Complex, Bera, today.

He said the government spent almost RM20 billion a year on subsidies for various goods and RM2.5 billion in cash aid for the BR1M programme for this year.

"The rise in the price of goods cannot be totally avoided due to increased population and some food-producing countries affected by calamities such as floods and earthquakes, thus affecting output," he said

The minister said Malaysia was fortunate as it was not facing major natural disasters while its economic management was efficient and sound, enabling the government to implement development projects and provide assistance to the people.

He said America and some other countries which previously were economically strong, were now experiencing an economic downturn because of the changing global economic situation.

Ismail Sabri, who is also Bera member of Parliament, urged the people to set aside the opposition's wild accusations and lies, and instead be rational and continue supporting the BN government.

"The BN government will continue to strive to improve the people's living standard by effecting changes towards turning Malaysia into a developed and competitive nation," he said.

- Bernama