Khairy blasts Anwar's gambling funds claim against PN
The former health minister contends that making statements without proof can undermine Anwar Ibrahim's credibility as the prime minister.
Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin today hit out at Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for making false accusations after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) was unable to verify his claims that Perikatan Nasional (PN) had received funds from gambling companies during the 15th general election last year.
In an episode of his "Keluar Sekejap" podcast with former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan, Khairy said that while Anwar is a leader with many positive qualities, those strengths, if used to make accusations, particularly against political opponents, can raise suspicions about others.
"If you want to make serious accusations, if Party X specifically took gambling funds, then I don't think you should make insinuations. You have to back it up."
Khairy also said that while the accusations made by Anwar against PN are serious, no evidence has been presented by the leader so far.
"If I were in PN's position, I would be angry.
"I don't like this kind of politics. If there are accusations, conduct an investigation and disclose its results," he said.
PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin previously demanded an apology from Anwar and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, saying that the coalition would consult their legal team on further actions.
PN's component party, PAS, also urged Anwar to apologise for spreading false accusations.
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