Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has defended his claim that Perikatan Nasional (PN) had used proceeds from gambling companies to finance its election campaign last year.
Anwar (above) insisted that he “does not speak without evidence”.
This comes after PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin demanded an apology from Anwar, saying he is mulling legal action against the latter.
“Please read the full statement (by minister Azalina Othman Said) and then take action.
“But if he (Muhyiddin) wants to take action immediately, go ahead.
“I don’t come out with a statement that I have no basis for,” he told reporters after launching the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair at WTCKL today.
Yesterday, Azalina urged all quarters to refrain from politicising or twisting her statement that the MACC was unable to verify claims that PN had used proceeds from gambling companies for its GE15 campaign.
She said the anti-graft agency did not open an investigation paper into the allegations for the time being as the information garnered was very general, but it does not mean it would be status quo.
Further action once probe completed
Meanwhile, Anwar today said that the MACC was not the only agency looking into the claims, which aligns with Azalina’s statement yesterday that other agencies such as the police and the Inland Revenue Board are also empowered to probe crimes committed by any entity.
“Of course, there are many agencies. Further actions will be taken once there is new evidence and the probe is completed,” he said when asked whether other agencies are also investigating the matter.
Anwar first made the allegation last December, implying that PN’s election funds “partly came from gaming companies involved in special draws”.
“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.
Anwar’s comments riled up opposition leaders, who denied the claims.
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said it was illogical for gaming companies to fund PN’s election campaign considering the coalition was bent on shutting down such establishments.
PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan also described the “wild accusations” as baseless and called on Anwar to present evidence.
Cabinet reshuffle rumours: Send me your suggestions
On reports that the prime minister is expected to reshuffle the cabinet after the upcoming state election, Anwar today responded in a sarcastic tone, saying “if you have any suggestions, please write to me, and I will consider them”.
Previously, Free Malaysia Today reported that Anwar is likely to axe “incompetent” ministers and senior civil servants in a major reshuffle.
Citing a well-placed PKR source, the English portal reported that Anwar intended to “cut some deadwood from his cabinet, but the likelihood is that secretaries-general and directors-general from a number of unspecified ministries will be axed in a house clean-up”. - Mkini
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