Anwar defends cut in special lottery draws from 22 to eight

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has responded to critics who labeled him as "the gambling boss" by revealing that his administration has cut the number of special lottery draws from 22 to eight per year. The Prime Minister, who also serves as Finance Minister, explained that this reduction demonstrates the government's efforts to curb gambling activities.

At the launch of the Skim Usahawan Bangkit Permatang Pauh in Penanti, Anwar challenged his detractors to first examine their own behavior before criticizing him. He pointed out that between 2020 and 2022, previous administrations had increased the number of special lottery draws from eight to 22 per year before his government restored the figure to eight.

Anwar's comments seem to be a reaction to recent criticism from Kedah's Deputy Chief Minister, Sanusi Nor. Sanusi had claimed that the decision on gambling activities in Kedah now lies with Anwar following the Federal Court's dismissal of the state government's bid to overturn a ruling barring it from refusing to renew licences for pool betting and lottery operators. He cautioned that Kedah residents would "curse" Anwar if gambling activities were allowed to resume in the state.

Furthermore, Anwar expressed his disappointment over the billions of ringgit intended for the public that were instead lost due to corruption, citing the Tabung Haji and Felda scandals. He also criticized those who oppose his administration's legal action against individuals implicated in the two cases.

Anwar acknowledged that people are frustrated with his stern approach and arrests, but he emphasized that he is not the one carrying out these actions. Instead, he claimed that the public has entrusted him with their funds, yet he asserts that the money is being squandered. He vowed to put an end to this corruption and return the money to the people.