Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has challenged Perikatan Nasional (PN) to sue him for defamation for saying that the coalition received money from gambling to help fund its campaigning for GE15 last year.
The Pakatan Harapan chairman repeated his assertion before a crowd in Guar Chempedak, Kedah, last night (July 15), adding that he is willing to be taken to court if his claim that PN had received funds from gambling companies was defamatory, according to Sinar Harian.
“Where did this large sum of money come from? Gambling money!
“I repeat, I mentioned gambling money before, tonight I want to say that gambling money has helped (PN) a lot,” he was quoted as saying at the Madani Unity Tour and Kedah Unity Machinery Launch.
He also criticised PAS for claiming ignorance in the matter, saying that it did not matter if they were not part of the Cabinet.
“This whole time (PAS) has been shouting Allahu akbar, but Allahu akbar has been cast aside just like that,” he was quoted as saying.
He was reported to have alluded to the previous PN government’s move to increase the number of special draws from eight to 22 times a year, which he claimed came at a cost to the coalition.
Anwar claimed to have seen investigation files on this issue.
“I had opposed it strongly when I was the leader of the Opposition, but it was unexpected that what they had done was illegal gambling,” he said.
He reportedly added his hopes that leaders of his “unity government”, including UMNO, will not continue to be defensive but instead go all-out against its former allies in PN.
What do you think of his statements? Let us know in the comments.
Also read: KL OCPDs Allegedly Unhappy Over Gambling Premises Busts, Gets Reminded of Their Integrity Pledge
