BN MANIFESTO | Not many can deny not liking cash assistance from the government.

It was therefore not surprising for BN supporters to describe BN chairperson Najib Abdul Razak's announcement on the doubled BR1M payments as the "best thing" about the coalition's manifesto.

While Amri Mohamad still does not qualify to receive BR1M despite Najib's latest announcement, as he earns more than RM5,000 a month, the Umno member from Malacca's Merlimau division pointed out how the payments have been doubled.

"Of course BR1M is the best part about the manifesto. We are only human, so we prefer cash.

"And you cannot deny how the cost of living has increased. So although we have the GST, we are seeing the benefits now," said Amri when met by Malaysiakini.

Amri (photo below), 37, was among over 15,000 who thronged the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil last night for the manifesto unveiling.

Even before Najib's announcement on BR1M, BN supporters were in high spirits throughout the event, waving the BN flag and reciprocating with "hebat!" (great) each time Najib mentioned the words BN, rakyat, Negaraku and Malaysia.

The overall mood was jubilant, with Najib delivering his speech with ease and confidence, punctuated with drum beats every time he stressed an important point.

Najib also sprinkled his speech with several pantun mainly aimed at the opposition, citing the water and tunnel issues in his poem dedicated to the people of Selangor and Penang.

Apart from taking poetic potshots at the opposition, Najib also described Pakatan Harapan's manifesto as a "formula for disaster."

"Until now, no rating agency has praised their manifesto.

"Don't regret it later. Let's not wake up next morning to a Malaysia we no longer recognise," he reminded.

Expanding handout reach

Top BN leaders presented a united front as they flanked Najib on stage while he delivered his speech, all of them donning BN's royal blue shirts.

Boisterous throughout the event, the crowd those present cheered louder as Najib made his "special announcement" towards the end of his speech on BR1M.

Najib said for households earning under RM3,000 a month, which had already received the first BR1M payment of RM400 in February, the two remaining payments in June and August would be doubled to RM800 each, an increase from RM1,200 to RM2,000.

Apart from the doubled payments for households and youths, Najib also announced a new category of BR1M recipients – households earning between RM4,000 to RM5,000 – which previously did not qualify for the handout.

Like Amri, civil servant T Loganathan (photo), 54, also heaped praise on Najib's announcement on BR1M.

"Maybe fence sitters will also change (to support BN) because of this.

"Because when you mention BR1M, it involves those from the lower income group and now almost everyone is getting it," he said.

Apart from BR1M, the Indian Progressive Front (IPF) member from Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, also described the BN manifesto as one that is inclusive.

"Everyone will benefit – this shows how responsible the government is.

"The people should realise what the (caretaker) prime minister is saying is not only talk, and he has already proven it through the implementation of previous policies."

Split vote joy

Both Loganathan and Amri are also confident that BN would be able to regain its two-thirds majority in the upcoming election.

While acknowledging the possibility of a 'Malay tsunami' against BN, Amri, however, pointed out how the opposition vote is split.

"PAS is no longer in the picture, and using PKR's logo might lead to problems for the other opposition parties."

Angelina, 45, meanwhile, lauded the one-off RM1,500 cash payment for children of BR1M recipients who are registering for university entry.

"That particular announcement is very good."

Apart from BR1M, the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) member described the various announcements for Sarawak as the best gift for the state.

"Compared to the previous manifesto, sorry, no, (it was not as good)," she admitted.