Was Gambling Reduced In Your Time Anwar Hits Back At Opposition Over Anti Islam Claims

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks at the 27th Reformasi anniversary celebration at PKR Melaka headquarters, September 27, 2025. — Bernama picMELAKA, Sept 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed baseless allegations that the Madani Government is against Islam, stressing that the opposition is deliberately exploiting religious issues for political gain.
Speaking at the 27th Reformasi anniversary of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) here today, Anwar criticised the attitude of several opposition leaders, whom he said had resorted to using religion as a cover to attack the government with abusive words and wild accusations.
“I rarely comment on individuals, but when I heard a Member of Parliament claim that ‘our dignity has been tarnished’, I had to ask — during their time in government, when PAS was part of the administration, was gambling reduced or increased? Do not speak based on whims, using religion as a cover, when the reality tells a different story,” he said.
Anwar said that he was open to criticism made in good faith, to improve morals in line with the Madani concept, but rejected any accusation portraying the government as being anti-Islam.
“Where are we against Islam? We have increased allocations for Islamic development, supported tahfiz schools, and provided opportunities for huffaz students to further their studies at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes,” he said.
Also present were Melaka PKR Leadership Council (MPN) chairman Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin and PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh.
Meanwhile, Anwar drew a comparison with the record of the previous Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration, which he said had failed to strengthen the Islamic agenda, and had instead increased the number of special draws.
“Compare the Madani Government with PN. What Islamic programmes did they introduce through the Ministry of Education? Gambling activities increased, with the number of special draws raised to 22. PAS should not make that criticism because it was during their time in government that the increase took place,” he said.
He said that the reform movement has taught the people to voice criticism based on facts, rather than labelling others as infidels or hypocrites without evidence.
“We teach the people to have the courage to denounce corruption, not to use religion to deceive them,” he said, stressing that the Madani Government will continue to uphold Islamic values through clean and just governance, while safeguarding the people’s welfare and well-being.
Touching on integrity, Anwar said that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has been given full freedom to act without political interference.
“If there are ministers, deputy ministers or anyone in this government involved in corruption, we will not protect them. Stolen assets must be returned to the people,” he said.
In addition, the Prime Minister said that the government would continue to strengthen unity, by rejecting racial politics and ensuring balanced development across the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak, including upgrading dilapidated schools and expediting basic infrastructure projects.
Anwar also said that strategic investments, particularly in the semiconductor sector in Penang, Sarawak and Sabah, would be further encouraged, in line with Malaysia’s aspiration to become a key player in emerging technologies.
“This country must be led with determination, hard work and trust, not with rhetoric or hatred. A Malaysia Madani is for all the people, regardless of race and religion,” he said.
Earlier, Anwar officiated the new headquarters of the Melaka PKR State Leadership Council. — Bernama

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