PUTRAJAYA – The government is looking into allegations that Perikatan Nasional (PN) parties PAS and Bersatu had used gambling proceeds from 4D special draws by gaming companies to help finance elections, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking to a press conference after his first cabinet meeting today, the prime minister has also slashed the 22 yearly draws, which first came about in 2021 during PN chief Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s tenure as prime minister, back down to eight starting January 1, 2023.
“On my first day as finance minister, I’ve made the decision to cancel the decision made earlier to raise the gambling special draws approved by the previous cabinet – which included ministers from Bersatu and PAS – from eight to 22 (times a year).
“Today, I’ve instructed that the special draws be reverted back to the original number, which is eight times a year,” said Anwar.
He then panned PAS and Malay-based party Bersatu for their hypocrisy in increasing the number of yearly draws, especially in light of the fact that gambling and gambling-based proceeds are prohibited and forbidden in Islam.
“Certainly, this (the special draw) was partly used to finance the elections. (We’re going) to check on that.
“Whether you call yourself a Malay party or Islamic party, notwithstanding, the funds that came from gaming companies,” he said.
Similarly, he has placed the 5G delivery vehicle Digital Nasional Bhd under review, claiming that the project was not done under a transparent manner. – The Vibes, December 5, 2022
Additional reporting by Amar Shah Mohsen
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