More Umno leaders have come together to oppose the sports betting licence as it could be harmful to society.

NONE In his latest blog posting, Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin ( left ) has made his stance clear, saying the wing is against the move to issue a sports betting licence.

"Although I have been communicating my views on sports betting within the party, I feel obliged to make a statement on this issue as there are parties pressuring for the approval of a licence for Ascot Sports Sdn Bhd,” he added.

Noting that sports betting is not well-received by the community, Khairy also urged the authorities to continue its effort in combating illegal sports betting.

“The efforts taken by the police should continue, even after the World Cup season,” he added.

He also questioned why Ascot Sports is making a statement that the licence would be given to them, without the approval from the Finance Ministry.

“Shouldn’t the licence be given in an open tender?,” he asked.

Khairy also urged the government to decide on the matter soon.

MBs Zambry and Ghani object

Yesterday, Perak Menteri Besar Zambry Abd Kadir urged the government not to approve a sports betting licence to Ascot Sports.

Saying that many parties are trying to politicise the issue for their own interests, Zambry also stated that the government should seriously look into the matter before granting the licence in order to avoid any social problems.

On June 13, Johor Umno liaison chief Abdul Ghani Othman stated the state Umno’s opposition to any form of betting in sports.

Abdul Ghani, who is also the Johor Menteri Besar, said he would submit the decision (rejection to any form of betting in sports), to the Umno supreme council soon. 

“The people view it as a form of gambling and I believe those involved will listen to the reactions of the people,” he added.

Meanwhile, the loose coalition formed to protest legalising sports betting (GMJ) today applied for a police permit for their massive rally scheduled for July 3.

The movement's president Azmi Abdul Hamid said they expect protestors to gather at three spots around Kuala Lumpur - the Sogo shopping centre and the Masjid Jamek and the National mosques - before marching to the Istana Negara to submit a memorandum.