KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has not opened any investigation papers into allegations of Perikatan Nasional (PN) using gambling proceeds to fund its campaigns in the last general election (GE15).
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (Pengerang-BN) said the anti-graft body did detail investigations but could not confirm the information.
“MACC found that the information (on the allegations) is too general, and no party could confirm the issue. As such, no investigation papers will be opened on this matter,” she said in a written parliamentary reply today.
She was replying to PAS Youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (Pasir Mas-PN), who asked about the status of the case.
After coming to power, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Tambun-PH) 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.
In response, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (Kota Baru-PN) had described the accusations as “baseless” and urged Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairman, to present clear evidence over the “wild allegations”.
PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang (Marang-PN) had also said that it made no sense for gaming companies to finance PN’s election campaigns as the Islamist PAS is strongly against gambling.
In a separate written reply, Azalina confirmed that MACC investigations into GE15 funds received by political parties now part of the unity government similarly revealed no elements of bribery.
She said that the finding was made after MACC completed its probes into the matter, saying: “Investigations (by MACC) have been completed. Results found that there were no elements of bribes being accepted.”
“However, if anybody has new evidence regarding this matter, a report can be made to MACC and further action will be taken immediately in accordance with existing laws,” she added.
Azalina said this in response to a question by Hadi on anti-corruption probes into the election expenses and source funds for government parties. – The Vibes, May 25, 2023
This story has been amended to reflect the latest clarification by the minister today
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