Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has indicated that he is open to maintaining the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) cash handout if the opposition, along with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), comes to power.

Mahathir, who is also Bersatu chairperson, said BR1M will be maintained if the policy is found to be necessary.

However, he said any attempt to use the policy to fish for votes will be done away with.