diff --git a/scripts/create-mkspec.sh b/scripts/create-mkspec.sh
index bbe0cc2b..22fd8f07 100644
--- a/scripts/create-mkspec.sh
+++ b/scripts/create-mkspec.sh
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ _cat << EOT
 EOT
 
 # -- scripts
-for p in `$SUBPACKAGES`; do
+for p in $SUBPACKAGES; do
 	for stage in pre preun post postun; do
 		echo "================= processing stage $stage: cfg_section pkg.$p.$stage" >&2
 		cfg_section pkg.$p.$stage >&2