The federal government decision to legalise sports gambling has attracted heavy condemnation from several political parties and NGOs.

hadi awang interview 040208 objective PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang (right) described the move as an attempt by the Umno-led Barisan Nasional federal government to move away from the teachings of Islam.

"Islam propagated by Umno through the building of mosques, Islamic centres and religious activities is merely cosmetic, but at the same time, they are violating the sanctity of Islam," said Abdul Hadi in a statement today.

Conversely, Abdul Hadi notes that non-Muslims - such as those in Pakatan Rakyat allies DAP and PKR - have been staunchly opposed the government's decision to grant the new gambling licences.

"This is a paradigm shift in our proselytisation efforts among non-Muslims, who now accept what is forbidden in Islam," he said.

Abdul Hadi was commenting on the government's decision to re-issue a sports betting licence to Ascot Sports, owned by tycoon Vincent Tan's Berjaya Corporation.

‘BN quick rich scheme'

Punters will soon be able to place bets on major international sporting events at 220 Sports Toto number better outlets in Peninsular Malaysia.

The move is believed to be timed with the upcoming Fifa football World Cup competition in June, where millions of ringgits in bets are expected to be placed.

hindraf probed by police 141008 latheefa koya PKR information chief Latheefa Koya (left) said the government's decision was "illogical".

"The decision to issue the licence before the World Cup shows how desperate the BN (government) is to rake in money from the people," said Latheefa.

"This is nothing but an irresponsible money making scheme proposed by the BN. It is a dangerous precedent and can destroy (the social fabric). It must be  rejected immediately," she added.

She argued that the government was ignoring the fact that studies have shown that the move would have a negative impact on the lower-income group, who are more inclined to bet a larger portion of their income compared to the high-income group.

Demo tomorrow

This, she said would cause more social and domestic problems, as well as increased incidents of borrowing from loan sharks

Meanwhile, prominent Muslim NGO Angkata Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim) called on all Muslims to protest the move, to protect all levels of society from the ills of gambling.

"There is no religion in the world which allows gambling because of the negative social impacts and it destroys personal morals, the family institution and pollutes Malaysia's image which has Islam as the official religion," said Abim deputy president Amidi Abdul Manan.

In a related development Federal Territories PAS will hold a demonstration against the the government move at the Kampung Baru mosque, Kuala Lumpur after Friday prayers.