KUALA TERENGGANU: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has given his backing to a proposal to issue licences for sports betting, saying that this will help legalise the industry as well as thwart illegal gambling.
He slammed opposition leaders for protesting against the issuance, claiming that they were just trying to gain political mileage.
“I don’t understand DAP’s rationale in protesting. It is not as if DAP is championing the tenets of Islam. They just want to make a mountain out of a molehill to garner political support,” he said after delivering his keynote address at an inaugural rally organised by Gerakan Kebangkitan Rakyat’s (People’s Consciousness Movement) here yesterday.
Dr Mahathir also questioned PAS’ motive in objecting to the plan as there were other forms of licensed gambling in the country.
In Parliament, backbencher Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin called on the Government to legalise sports betting to curb illegal gambling, especially when the World Cup fever was at its peak.
He added that illegal bookies were raking in at least RM15bil per year in football betting, most of which was then channelled overseas.
“The Government should provide an option for non-Muslims to participate in legal sports betting activities. If we want to prevent a huge outflow of money from the country, then we should legalise sports gambling.
“The Government can gain revenue through taxes. It should also be made clear that only Muslims cannot gamble and drink,” he said when debating the 10th Malaysia Plan.
P/S:-Baru-baru ni MB Johor yang juga Pengerusi Badan Perhubungan UMNO Johor ada menyatakan KETIDAKSETUJUAN beliau dalam hal judi BOLASEPAK ni.Jadi sekarang dah ada 2 TOKOH dalam UMNO yang beri kenyataan.Satu luar Parlimen,satu lagi dalam Parlimen yang MULIA tu.Jadi macam mana sekarang?Kuat sangat Pengerusi Perhubungan UMNO Johor tu?
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