Gambling money claim just another in Anwar's 'series of lies', says Bersatu

Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin today said that Anwar Ibrahim's claim of gambling-related funds for Perikatan Nasional (PN) at last year's general election was just one in what he described as a series of lies, adding that action had been taken to strike out all such accusations. 

Hamzah, responding to the announcement by law minister Azalina Othman Said yesterday that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had been unable to confirm Anwar's claim, said this was proof that it was "mere fabrication and lies". 

"Just as he shamelessly lied to the people through promises that were not fulfilled, such as the promise to lower the price of oil, to solve the cost of living, to fight nepotism, and to fight corruption, but then appointed a deputy prime minister against whom a prima facie case has been established and who is defending himself against 47 charges in court," he added, referring to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who had been instrumental in rallying the support of his party for Anwar as prime minister. 

Azalina said yesterday that the anti-graft agency had carried out a detailed investigation into the claims, made by Anwar after chairing his first Cabinet meeting last December. 

"However, MACC found that the information at hand was too general and that no party could confirm the issue. 

"Therefore, no investigation file was opened on this matter," she said. 

PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin subsequently said that both Anwar and Zahid should apologise, and that the coalition would consult its legal team about further action.

Hamzah said legal action had already been taken, through the filing of an application to cancel the charges which he said were defective and without basis. 

"The charges are too vague and unclear and violate the provisions of the law regarding mandatory details in the charge sheet," he added. 

PAS, a component party of PN, has also urged Anwar to apologise for spreading false accusations.