Referring to the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) payments which was initiated by him in 2012, Najib denied it was a form of “dedak” (animal feed), as the opposition calls it, to foster support for the ruling party.

Speaking at the launch of Sabah Umno division meetings in Beaufort yesterday, the prime minister said 35 economists from the United Kingdom supported the measure as it is effective in helping the poor.

“BR1M is not like animal feed as some have accused,” he was quoted as saying by the daily.

Najib also addressed the attacks against him and Umno by a former prime minister and other former members of the party, saying he was not willing to gamble on the country’s future.

“For example, they say the opposition DAP is a chauvinistic party but later sit down at one table with them.

Calling Sabah Umno the backbone of the party, Najib thanked its members for staying loyal despite it being the “youngest sibling” to its counterparts in the various states in the peninsula.

“Though Sabah Umno at 25-years-old can be considered the youngest sibling, it has grown to become the party’s backbone,” Najib was quoted as saying.

Repeating a call he made in August last year following the sacking of Muhyiddin Yassin from the Cabinet, Najib also reminded Umno members that loyalty is at the top of the list when it comes to the party’s values.

“There is no point in having the brightest minds if there is no loyalty to the party or leaders,” he was quoted as saying.