Madani Government Never Supported Gambling Activities – Anwar

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the Madani Government has never supported gambling activities, but is instead committed to curbing such activities by reducing the number of special lottery draws.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said that upon taking over the administration of the country, the government reduced the frequency of these draws from 22 times to only eight times a year.

“People say Anwar is a gambling boss. I do not support gamblers. Before I became Prime Minister, under the previous government, the draws (lottery numbers) were 22 times a year.

“I did it gradually. I reduced it from 22 times to eight times a year. What do you want to curse me for?” he said in a speech at the Launch of the Madani Entrepreneur Rise (SUB) Scheme for Permatang Pauh at the Dewan Yayasan Aman, Penanti, here today.

Anwar said the move to reduce the number of draws was among the steps taken to curb gambling activities, and he should not be blamed for policies implemented by the previous administration.

BERNAMA