Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Previous Cabinet approved lottery expansion during pandemic, says Zafrul
Former Finance Minister Zafrul Aziz has revealed that the previous Cabinet, which included PAS ministers, sanctioned an increase in lottery draws. He noted that the annual ceiling for such activities was reinstated during the Covid-19 pandemic period.
LSN Malaysia ·
Zafrul Aziz disclosed that lottery expansion measures were greenlit by the preceding administration as part of pandemic-era policy decisions. The move involved restoring the annual ceiling for lottery draws, which had previously been subject to restrictions.
The former Finance Minister's statement sheds light on gambling policy decisions made during a period of significant economic disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak. The Cabinet approval encompassed ministers from multiple coalition partners, including PAS representatives, indicating broader governmental consensus on the measure at that time.
The reinstatement of the lottery ceiling represented a shift in regulatory approach during the pandemic years, when the government was managing various economic pressures and revenue considerations. Zafrul's clarification appears intended to provide context regarding decision-making processes undertaken by the previous administration on a matter that continues to draw public and political attention.