BUKIT MERTAJAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has hit back at critics over gaming policies, pointing out that his administration actively curbed gambling activities by slashing special lottery draws from 22 to eight annually.
“They held 22 special draws, but I reduced it to eight. Is it enough? No. But why am I being insulted for this? Before you attack me, you should look at yourself in the mirror first,” he said at the Bangkit Permatang Pauh Entrepreneur Scheme launch at Yayasan Aman Hall on Saturday (Aug 29).
Anwar’s remarks come in response to recent criticisms by Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor. Sanusi had warned that Anwar would face backlash from Kedahans if the federal government allowed gaming operators to resume business in the state, following a Federal Court decision dismissing Kedah's appeal to uphold its blanket ban on premise licenses for gaming operators.
Anwar also addressed the losses suffered in past scandals involving Tabung Haji and Felda.
"Who said Malaysia is poor? The problem is that the money is not reaching the people," Anwar said, addressing pushback against his administration's anti-corruption crackdown.
“People are angry at me for being stern and arresting people here and there, but I am not the one making the arrests. I have been entrusted by the public. People need these funds, but billions of Ringgit were taken and lost. I want to stop that and return what belongs to the people.”
