A lot has been said and published on the issue of sports betting. From the reasons forwarded by those in support of legalising sports betting, they all have a common ground and agenda – justifying the means to an end.

It is immaterial who the government issues (or intends to issue) the licence to as this is another issue altogether. And of course, if this licence goes to someone with dubious dealings with the government, then the issue takes on a bigger and deeper twist.

Let’s just look at the very idea of licensing sports betting. On one hand, we are a well-known Muslim country, although with a liberal and reasonable domain.

In the area of food, we see the word ‘halal’ everywhere – in restaurants, on food packages and household goods – and we even host ‘halal’ exhibitions. The country has on many occasions made public declarations that it wishes to be a ‘halal’ food hub. During the fasting month, Muslims caught eating in public during fasting hours are dealt with legally.

Apart from the only legal casino at Genting Highlands, Malaysia has three major 4-D players, with each offering three draws per week. Millions of ringgit are spent on gambling each week, and millions are being collected as gaming taxes.

The latest talk in town is on legalising sports betting, and the main reason being offered is that the government stands to collect huge sums of money in gaming tax from this initiative. The other reason being mentioned is that legalising sports betting would prevent people from resorting to illegal betting. Both reasons are extremely flimsy and lame.

In the first place, if the country is in poor shape financially, the proper approach is for the government to trim unnecessary expenditure and at the same time, tackle corruption and save millions in the process.

Why do we need to maintain extravagance in the face of heavy financial deficit? Under strained economic situations, to even think of building a new Parliament building is a sin - an economic one. This is akin to wanting to buy a new car during times when having a decent meal is a problem.

Another extravagant item is the huge defence budget with millions being committed to buying armoured vehicles and the like. We need to spend this sort of money when we are constantly faced with armed aggression, but we are not. Where is the ‘People First’ ideal?

Going along the government’s approach we may even see efforts to legalise drug trafficking, smuggling, prostitution and the like. I am sure these would enable the government to reap billions in terms of taxes. Does the end justify the means?

Championing Islam and legalising sports betting do not jive. If the government presses ahead with this initiative, it is actually encouraging gambling. Any right-thinking rakyat would strongly oppose this and we reserve the right to oppose any such move. And this right will manifest itself in the next general election.