Malaysia will distribute a total of RM6.3 billion (US$1.61 billion) to around seven million eligible people as part of a program to help the country’s lower-income community. The handout is part of the BR1M, Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia or 1Malaysia People’s Aid that was started in 2012 by Prime Minister Najib Razak. With the general election expected soon, critics say the first payout has been timed to sweeten the ground for the government. Malaysia’s economy expanded by a stronger-than-expected 5.9 per cent in the last quarter of 2017, a likely boost for Najib ahead of national elections that must be held by August.