At a press conference, Anwar admitted that this was a drastic move to take in his first day as finance minister.

In 2021, the government had given gaming companies permission to hold 22 “special draws” for 4D numbers this year, on top of the usual thrice-weekly draws.

Anwar pointed out that the government at the time had included PAS and Bersatu leaders.

Under the Pakatan Harapan administration, there were only eight such special draws.

Anwar also said deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will chair Putrajaya’s disaster management and flood preparedness committee.

Meanwhile, deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof has been tasked to ensure that all pending matters related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) would be expedited.

He also said his government will continue any good policies introduced by the previous administration led by Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Criticisms of PM, govt fair game

On criticisms against the new government, Anwar said there was a difference between criticising Putrajaya and criticising the Agong and Malay Rulers.

He said the former was allowed, but he would leave it to the police to probe.

He also denied lodging a report on the alleged RM600 billion government expenditure without tender under previous administrations amid the pandemic.

The prime minister said the finance ministry will cooperate and leave it to the authorities to take action.

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