KUALA LUMPUR: Graft busters have opened an investigation into documents received based on a report lodged in connection with claims that Perikatan Nasional had used gambling money to fund its general election campaign.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) senior director of investigations Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hashim confirmed that a thorough investigation was being carried out.

“The investigation will cover various aspects, including identifying and investigating the background of the companies mentioned in the report,” he said when contacted.

On May 30, an individual lodged a report with the MACC and submitted documents, urging investigation into an allegation that Perikatan received funds from gaming companies, which was used for last year’s general election.

Recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said claims made that Perikatan had used gambling money to fund its 2022 election campaign were not baseless.

Anwar also said Perikatan was welcomed to take legal action over his statement.

“Read the statement in full, then only take action. If he (Perikatan chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) wants to take it, go ahead.

“I would not have made the statement if I didn’t have the basis,” he said during a recent event in Kuala Lumpur.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/06/07/macc-probing-claims-perikatan-used-gambling-money