PM implies PN's campaign funds from gambling companies

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim appeared to imply that Perikatan Nasional (PN)’s election funds partly came from gaming companies involved in special draws.

He said the Finance Ministry also found “violations” in the awarding of RM600 billion without tender on unspecified matters.

Speaking at a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya, Anwar said election funds for the “Malay” and “Islamic” parties came from gaming companies.

“On the issue of gambling, certainly this is partly used to finance elections. (I have asked for) checks on that.

“Whether you call yourself a Malay party or Islamic party, notwithstanding, the (election) funds came from gaming companies,” he said.

Earlier, he chided the previous PN government led by Bersatu and PAS for increasing the frequency of special draws from eight per year to 22 - a decision made in late 2020.

Anwar said that as finance minister, he decided that starting January next year, the number of special draws would be reduced back to eight per year.

Perikatan’s perplexing prosperity

PN's critics have questioned the source of the coalition's campaign funds - suggesting that it was beyond their means.

This includes allegations that RM600 billion had been misappropriated during the coalition’s time in the federal government.

PN chief Muhyiddin Yassin said he was unsure where this figure came from and asked whether his critics had mistaken this for the RM530 billion in stimulus packages under his administration.

He said he did not pocket any of the stimulus funds, pointing out that the bulk of it was moratoriums and Employee Provident Fund withdrawals.

It is unclear what exactly Anwar was referring to when he said the Finance Ministry found violations in awarding RM600 billion without tender.

However, the Tambun MP said investigations will be carried out to determine if there was any corruption or misappropriation involved.

One project that the government has set its sights on, however, is the national 5G rollout - which Anwar said was done without tender.

The DNB project involved an allocation of RM20 billion.

Look in the mirror

Meanwhile, Anwar also took potshots at those who criticised kleptocracy - but were not clean themselves.

"It is interesting that those who have been using 'kleptocracy' as criticism are themselves very much compromised.

"(There are many) big dealings benefiting their sons or children or in-laws.

"I must remind them, if you really want to get to the bottom of it (corruption) you must be prepared to be truly transparent, and be investigated," he said.

Anwar also repeated his challenge for PN and other critics of his to declare their assets as he has.

He also said he was confident his cabinet would follow strict rules to ensure good governance.

On Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi - who is on trial for corruption - being one of the two deputy prime ministers, Anwar said the decision was made due to party hierarchy considerations.

He said critics have a right to question the appointment, but pointed out that Zahid's trial is still ongoing and the legal process should be respected as well. - Mkini