Malaysian Digest
KUALA LUMPUR, 14 APR, 2010: Permatang Pauh MP and Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) in a press conference at the Office of the Opposition Leader in parliament today announced that Pakatan Rakyat has decided to put a candidate from DAP for the Sibu by-election.
“We will go to Sibu on the 18th of April to discuss with the PR leadership in Sarawak. On the New Economic Model, we will announce our stand on Monday the 19th of April at 11.30am,” he said.
According to Anwar the Prime Minister has stated that the NEM is a government document but Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop as recorded in the Hansard mentioned that the document was not prepared by the government. It was according to him prepared by the National Economic Advisory Council (NEAC). As a result theres is no locus standi to present it in the Dewan Rakyat since that it is only a suggestion that may be approved or rejected by the government.
“All of us in Pakatan Rakyat has agreed to send a memorandum to the Prime Minister on the issue of gambling. We will ask all PR MPs to sign it because the issue concerned is about the rampant gambling among non-Muslim community. We are urging the PM to cancel all special draws of 20 times for 2010 by gambling operators approved by the Ministry of Finance and secondly we are asking the PM to reduce the betting days from three times a week to only twice a week. We are very concerned because gambling has become more widespread, especially during Najib’s administration,” he added.