MACC dragnet shows gambling kickbacks used in polls campaigns

 

An MACC probe has allegedly found evidence suggesting that gambling funds were used to pay for at least three election campaigns dating back from 2018.

At least 14 people have reportedly been caught in the graft buster’s dragnet thus far and more may be coming.

According to Utusan Malaysia, the MACC discovered that between RM6 to RM7 million in kickbacks had been given by gambling companies to several high-profile individuals, including politicians.

This was in exchange for the businesses being issued licences to operate slot machines.

Part of these funds were then allegedly used to fund campaigns during the 14th and 15th general elections, as well as the recent six state elections.

Besides campaign funds, the gambling companies were also allegedly coerced into paying for various activities such as for the alleged kickback recipients to play golf at luxury clubs.

The Malay daily, citing MACC sources, also stated that there is a possibility that the gambling companies were paying off authorities to ensure that their businesses went undisturbed.

Thus far, 13 - including a “Tan Sri” and a “Datuk Seri” - were nabbed last Wednesday during a special operation.

The 14th arrest - a gambling company operator in Penang - was detained on Sunday and remanded for three days.

Red Notice if uncooperative

Citing sources, Utusan Malaysia reported yesterday the MACC was also tracking down several individuals who are currently abroad to assist with the investigations.

The source said that if those wanted do not comply, the MACC may expose their identities and ask the police to put them on Interpol’s red notice.

Meanwhile, the MACC is reported to have frozen the accounts of several individuals and companies, totalling RM40 million, following the arrests.

In December last year, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had implied that Perikatan Nasional’s campaign was partly funded by gambling proceeds.

However, in May this year, it was reported that the MACC had yet to open an investigation paper on the allegations due to a lack of specific evidence.

This prompted an uproar from PN, who had accused Anwar of slander.

The prime minister insisted that he did not speak without proof.

Whether the current MACC sting is related to Anwar’s allegations is unclear. - Mkini