Minister: No investigation paper opened on 'gambling fund' claim against PN

Editor's Note: The headline for this story has been amended to better reflect the context of the minister's reply in Parliament.

The MACC was unable to verify claims that Perikatan Nasional (PN) had used proceeds from gambling companies to help finance its campaign for last year’s general election.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said said the anti-graft body had conducted a detailed investigation into the allegations.

“However, MACC found the information to be too general and no parties were able to confirm the matter.

“Therefore, no investigation papers were opened,” she said in a written parliamentary reply today.

She was responding to Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) who asked for the status of the investigation on allegations that parties within PN had received contributions from gambling funds to finance its election campaign last year.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim first implied the allegation last December, saying 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 politicians.

PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin denied the claims.

Meanwhile, 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.

Govt parties also cleared

In a separate written reply to Hadi, Azalina said MACC had completed its investigation into the election campaign expenses as well as sources of funds for parties in the coalition government.

Similarly, the graft busters found no evidence of elements of accepting bribery.

“However, if any person has new evidence regarding this matter, they can report it to MACC and investigations as well as further actions will be taken immediately in accordance with the existing laws.”

In another written reply to the Marang MP, Azalina assured that MACC conducts its probes based on information and solid evidence, not through political motivation.

“If there is sufficient evidence, MACC will take appropriate action against anyone in accordance with the law. Each investigation is different and is based on witness testimony,” she said.

Hadi was asking for the government’s assurance that MACC is not used as a tool for political prosecution against the opposition.

Muhyiddin dares MACC to probe Anwar, Zahid

PAS ulama: Why no probe on Harapan receiving ‘foreign funding’ claim?

Wan Fayhsal: PN will not disclose election funding

Start behaving like PM, not opposition leader - Muhyiddin's ex-aide tells Anwar