Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pushed back against critics who labelled him a "gambling boss," pointing to his government's record on reducing special lottery draws, according to Malay Mail.
In remarks reported by the outlet, Anwar said he had cut the number of special lottery draws from 22 to eight. The response comes after political opponents sought to tie him to gambling activities.
The exchange reflects a broader political dispute over gambling policy in Malaysia. Kedah's state government, led by the opposition, has moved to ban gambling within its borders. However, legal commentators and federal officials have noted that states lack the constitutional authority to prohibit gambling outright, as reported by Malaysiakini.
The federal government has also stressed its position on new licences. The Ministry of Finance stated that no new gambling licences have been issued under the current MADANI administration, according to its official portal.
The debate has drawn in other political figures as well. Ramkarpal Singh, a federal lawmaker, told a Kedah official to "stop playing games and get your facts right," as reported by The Vibes, in a separate but related exchange over the issue.
Anwar's comments appear aimed at countering the narrative that his government is soft on gambling. By highlighting the reduction in special draws, he is seeking to demonstrate that his administration has taken concrete steps to limit gambling opportunities, even as it defends the federal government's jurisdiction over the matter.
The clash over gambling is likely to continue as state and federal authorities dispute the boundaries of their powers. With the federal government insisting on its authority and states pushing their own restrictions, the issue remains a live political fault line in Malaysia.
What to watch next: Whether the federal government will take further steps to regulate or reduce gambling activities in response to state-level pressure.
