Malaysian Elections Funded by Gambling, Says Report

Gambling taxes are best used to fund educational projects, treat harm caused by gambling, or support various community organizations. But while gambling taxes can be allocated to organizations that need funding, the use of gambling operators’ funds in elections is a concern. According to a new report from Malaysia, some of the money from gambling was likely used to fund the country’s elections, raising concerns about corruption.

Malaysia Plans to Fight Corruption

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced during a press conference on Monday that the country’s elections were “partially” financed with play money, according to a report released by Anadolu Agency. Anwar recently became the country’s last prime minister. And joined forces with representatives of the National Front, the Barisan Nasional, the Alliance of Hope or Pakatan Harapan, and the Alliance of Sarawak Parties or Gabungan Parti Sarawak. Regarding the elections, Anwar pointed out that play money was undoubtedly used in part. He promised to investigate the matter further. “On the subject of gambling, this will certainly be used in part to fund elections”,

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Focusing on corruption, the Prime Minister said the government and its ministers stand together against crime. He reiterated that there would be no compromises in the fight against corruption. According to Anwar, one of the main reasons for sin is the so-called kleptocracy system. He explained that the kleptocracy is a system that allows government officials and other leaders to steal.

Anwar said that corruption is one of many problems, but the system itself is problematic. “Kleptocracy means a system that allows leaders to steal. Well, those who have said this (responsibility) shouldn’t be limited to any particular person…it’s the system,” Anwar added. He stressed that the executives benefited from the system of kleptocracy, bringing benefits to their families.

Regarding investigations, Anwar said that every government official must agree to be transparent as corruption investigations affect everyone without exception. Concerns about the funding of elections by gambling companies come as no surprise. A constant risk of money laundering and terrorist financing, and if strict control methods are not in place, illegal funds can flow through a gambling establishment and ultimately fuel a government campaign. This can cast doubt on the legitimacy of elections and the overall structure of government.

Memorable Quotations

The Prime Minister added that he had issued instructions to “control” the matter. Anwar, Malaysia’s finance minister, said the cabinet had “decided to reverse a decision on the draws made earlier this year.” It noted that only eight annual unique draws for 4D numbers would be allowed next year. Four Digits or 4D is a lottery system in Malaysia. A reformist leader, Anwar, 75, took office as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister last month. And leads a unity government formed by the Alliance of Hope or Pakatan Harapan (PH), the National Front or Barisan Nasional (BN), and the Sarawak Parties Alliance or Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

Malaysia held its 15th general election last month, resulting in a short-lived 222-seat parliament. PH led with 82 seats. He announced his 27-member cabinet last Friday, including two deputy prime ministers: BN’s Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. and Fadillah Yusof of GPS.