[UPDATED] Hadi bites back at claims of gaming firms funding Perikatan in GE15

KUALA LUMPUR – It makes no sense for gaming companies to finance Perikatan Nasional (PN) during the general election (GE15), seeing that component PAS is aggressively against gambling, said party president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang.

In fact, he said stocks of gaming companies fell upon news of PN’s victories in GE15, and prices only stabilised once Pakatan Harapan (PH) is in federal power.

Hadi also slammed Muslim leaders in PH for staying silent when PAS-led state governments – Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah – wanted to ban all gambling premises.

“Even though gaming licences are under the purview of the Finance Ministry, closing down gambling premises are under state jurisdiction. 

“When we wanted to close them down, it was met with protests from a PH component.

“This matter is linked to the rights of Muslims. But Muslims in PH remain quiet,” he said in a statement.

“Those in glass houses should not throw stones.”

This comes after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the federal government is looking into allegations that PN parties PAS and Bersatu had used gambling proceeds from 4D special draws by gaming companies to help finance elections.

After his first cabinet meeting, Anwar also slashed the 22 yearly special draws, which first came about in 2021 during PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s tenure as prime minister, to eight starting January 1, 2023.

Anwar then panned PAS and 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.

Meanwhile, PAS vice-president Datuk Idris Ahmad slammed Anwar for his decision to reduce the special draws and for his repeated mentions of PN, branding them as a tactic to stay relevant among the Malay-Muslims.

He also alleged that a former Magnum director admitted to supporting Anwar when he was deputy prime minister.

“It is better that PH-Barisan Nasional led states follow the footsteps of PAS/PN to ban all gambling premises. Surely this will attract Malay-Muslims to support the government.

“PAS is also offering to help PH-led states to implement the ban, similar to how PAS/PN states have done.” – The Vibes, December 7, 2022