'No, Vincent Tan. It is not only the Muslims who are unhappy - most non-Muslims are unhappy, too. We non-Muslims are with the Muslim groups asking the government to withdraw the betting licence.'

Sports betting: Rulers urged to intervene

Beetle: All Malaysians, regardless of race and religion, must come together and condemn this issuance of sports betting licence to Vincent Tan for the sake of our society. Drugs and alcohol are already a major problem for our society. Gambling is as bad with empat ekor , slot machines clubs, horse racing, and casinos. They give false hope to the poor.

Instead of spending on their families, gamblers' money is spent on buying bets. Imagine if gambling was totally banned and the billions spent on gambling was thrown back into the economy. Then everyone gains instead of just benefiting a few cronies of the government.

Louis: Vincent Tan was reported as asking why these Muslims groups are unhappy when the government has made it clear that Muslims are not allowed to bet.

No, Vincent Tan. It is not only the Muslims who are unhappy - most non-Muslims are unhappy, too. No sane non-Muslim will support your argument. We non-Muslims are with the Muslim groups asking the government to withdraw the betting licence.

Wira: Pakatan Rakyat states can minimise this gambling ill by refusing to allow the issuance of trading licence by the municipal or local councils. This will force Vincent Tan's company to go online in Pakatan states.

Tan Che Wee: This is serious issue, but betting is okay for non-Muslims. Even other issues are more important, such as drugs and Ah Longs, have not even solved. I agree that betting should be licenced, nothing wrong with that. It gains a lot of revenue.

Looi Hip Peu: Perhaps some debunking of common myths are required:

1. ‘Legalised gambling reduces illegal gaming and crime': Studies show that the opposite holds. Legalised gambling encourages people to gamble when they normally don't. It in fact gives impetus to the illegal gaming sector by promoting an expanded market;

2. ‘Legalised gambling promotes the local economy': Again hogwash! Legalised gambling, especially when promoted amongst the local populace, is akin to economic cannibalism;

3. ‘Legalised gambling is a significant source of revenue for the government': I really do not want to go into this... as perhaps most readers will be aware of the counter-arguments and spins on this issue.

Ja Min Ranjit: There is no reason to license sports betting. Our youth should not be given the wrong impression. This government decision stinks. Look at the 4D betting operations. Gamblers now bet 4D on Kuda, Magnum and Toto.

Let these three companies operate and compete, but there should be only one result. Let these three companies rotate in organising the draw. Maybe Kuda on Wednesday, Magnum on Saturdays and Toto on Sundays. There should not be any more Tuesday special draws.

These draws are killing the hardcore punters, and it is not good for Malaysians. They're only filling up the government coffers.

StevenForMalaysia: A level-headed PM should know what to do, or else the rakyat should exert pressure on him through demonstrations. We are not only against betting licence, but also against the issuance of the licence without bidding. Keep up the pressure PAS, you have - I'm sure - 100 percent of Christian Malaysians' support.

Cocomomo: I do not think a petition to the rulers will help. The BN only fears losing power. This issue transcends religion and race and should be supported by all Malaysians. A super mammoth rally of all groups should send the message to those that seek to benefit from the greed of the gamblers.

Only the fear of losing at the polls, however much they cheat, is the only way to get the message to the corrupt.

DOC: I bet the rulers will not intervene since Umno is spearheading this move to legalise sports gambling operations. I put my odds on 50 to 1 that the rulers will not intervene. I understand that the rulers are the defenders of the Muslim faith; but when faith and religion contradicts Umno's policies, then the rulers have to stay neutral.

Amaso: PAS, go ahead, stop sports betting, which also means stopping interested parties from funding BN for the 13 ^th general elections. We back your action.

Samy vs MIC: Two more bite the dust

Lvbala: That's the way it has been happening in MIC throughout the years, and you two just got your message? These are the true colours of your leader. Many have opened their eyes many years earlier than those who still can't see the truth, while some still pretend to be sleeping. What's next?

Confused: Welcome to Malaysian politics. This is so typical of BN's policies, where no one is allowed to criticise anyone in their party. This just shows that the leaders are not interested in hearing the cry or views of their members. Some call this undemocratic. Others call it dictatorship.

Cala: The house of MIC is a near deserted house. The expulsion of the duo will only accelerate the demise of the party.

'EC in the way of voter registration'

Susan Toh: Let us not talk about what the Election Commission should do because it is not going to happen. We should take matters into our own hands. Encourage and educate anyone you know who are over 21 and are not registered to go to the nearest post office to do so.

Zainudeeen Mydeeen: It is best to register as a voter through the BN component parties. Then the EC will consider you a supporter of BN and will not mess around with your registration. If you register through Pakatan component parties or NGOs, then EC will consider you an opposition supporter.

On election day, you may find your name not listed on the electoral roll, or you may be assigned a voting centre that you are not familiar with, e.g. Chinese voters assigned to a Sekolah Agama or Malay voters to a Chinese school, usually far away from your residence.

Registration through BN parties will give them the impression that they have a lot of supporters then on election day you kick their arse.