SNAPSHOT | Gambling boss? I reduced special draws - PM; minister wants thorough probe into pupil's death

KINI SNAPSHOT | What’s going on in the news today, with updates at 11am, 2pm, and 6pm

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Haze worsens in Serian; Amirudin mulls pact with Bersatu for Malacca polls

2pm

PMX

• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reiterated that his administration reduced the number of special lottery draws from 22 to eight a year, dismissing attempts to label him as a “tauke judi” (gambling boss).

  “Before you attack me, you should look at yourself in the mirror first,” Free Malaysia Today quoted him as saying in a speech at Permatang Pauh today.

READ MORE: Sanusi's gambling 'curse' on Anwar gets 22-special draw boomerang

• In the same speech, Anwar also said he “does not understand” why his administration is criticised for taking action against issues involving public funds’ leakages.

  Citing the Royal Commission of Inquiry Report on Tabung Haji, the prime minister cautioned that a lack of decisive action from the government could lead to losses for the nation.

  

  The finance minister further stressed that if there are allegations of public funds’ wastage, the matter must be investigated to determine how and when the loss occurred, as well as who bears responsibility.

READ MORE: Harapan pushes back as Umno-PAS seek new tit-for-tat Tabung Haji RCI

Student’s death

• Youth and Sports Minister Taufiq Johari and his ministry extend condolences to the parents of Nur Qaira Alisha Ahmad ‘Ilwan, the 11-year-old girl who allegedly died from a heart condition after being made to take part in a sporting activity by a teacher.

  

  He called for a thorough investigation into the incident that occurred on April 14 at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Pak Kiau.

  “No aspect related to the incident should be overlooked, and all parties concerned must be allowed to provide their statements and explanations,” he said in a statement today.

Politics

• Johor Wawasan Negara has appointed 22 out of 26 pro-tem division chiefs, with the remaining four undergoing final evaluation.

  Its coordinator Zulkifli Bujang said the appointments mark the beginning of a greater responsibility to expand membership, establish branches, strengthen the party machinery and continuously engage with the community.

  

  “In line with the party’s directive, each division will work towards a minimum target of 1,000 members and establish branches according to the number of polling stations in their respective parliamentary constituencies.

  “This is important to build a well-organised and inclusive organisation that is fully prepared to face the 16th general election,” he said in a statement.

Previously at 11am | Saravanan surprised PM didn't get his letter; air quality in several areas worsens due to haze

Sanusi's gambling 'curse' on Anwar gets 22-special draw boomerang

Gambling in Kedah: Anwar will be 'cursed' if it resumes, says Sanusi

'Thank you, Tok Guru': PAS recalls Chinese wives praising gambling ban

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