Former prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's claim that Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) is corruption, and therefore illegal, is baffling as he had rolled out similar schemes when in office, says Salleh Said Keruak.

He said the now Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) chairperson had introduced Wang Ehsan for Terengganu.

Wang Ehsan, a federal disbursement in lieu of oil royalty, was then used by the state to disburse aid, similiar to the BR1M, starting from the year 2000, Salleh said.