Politics · Malaysia Bureau
PAS leader blames former finance minister over lottery draw approvals
A senior PAS Youth official has rejected Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's characterisation of the party's stance on special lottery draws, asserting that it was former Finance Minister Zafrul Aziz who approved the controversial scheme.
LSN Malaysia ·
The Kelantan PAS Youth chief disputed claims regarding the party's position on 22 special draws, stating that PAS had actively opposed the increase in lottery drawings. The official called on the Prime Minister not to misrepresent the party's historical stance on the matter, emphasising that responsibility for approving the draws lay with Zafrul during his tenure as Finance Minister.
The disagreement underscores differing narratives between the government and the Islamic party over fiscal decisions made under the previous administration. PAS Youth's intervention suggests the party is keen to distance itself from policies it views as contentious, particularly those related to gambling-adjacent state revenue mechanisms.
The special draws have been a subject of debate, with questions raised about their implementation and approval process. By pointing to Zafrul's role, PAS appears to be clarifying its position ahead of ongoing political discussions and potential electoral considerations. The party's statement reflects broader tensions within Malaysia's political landscape regarding accountability for previous government decisions and their current implications.