The federal government decision to grant sports betting license continues to draw flak as demonstrations against the move were held in five states.

NONE Organised by PAS Youth, the demonstrations were held within or near mosque compounds after Friday prayers. Some venues saw the inclusion of representatives from Pakatan Rakyat allies DAP and PKR.

The rallies took place in Penang, Selangor, Perak, Kuala Terengganu and Negeri Sembilan.

The biggest gathering was at the Perak state mosque in Ipoh, where an estimated 300 people gathered chanted "withdraw gambling license" and "Najib father of gambling".

However, the gathering was thwarted by the police, after just under 10 minutes.

At the Pegadang Baru mosque in Kuala Terengganu, the demonstration, punctuated by angry speeches, lasted 45-minutes undisturbed by the authorities.

Mammoth rally planned

During this rally, speakers, mostly from PAS, vowed to protest against the sports gambling license plan all the way until the next general elections.

NONE Over in Penang, a small gathering took place outside the Permatang Gajus mosque, Permatang Pauh where protestors raised a large banner stating “Umno has made gambling halal (kosher)”.

In Negeri Sembilan, a peaceful gathering was held at the state mosque in Seremban, attended by about 100 people, included representatives from influential Muslim group Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim).

Among the prominent speakers there were state PAS chief Zulkifli Omar and PKR Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin.

Meanwhile in Selangor, smaller gatherings were held in mosques in Kajang, Hulu Langat and Kapar to protest the matter.

The protests today is a prelude to a planner mammoth rally on July 3 in Kuala Lumpur. Protestors aim to submit a protest memorandum to the King.

The groups were protesting against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s administration for granting a sports gambling license to Ascot Sports, a company owned by well-connected tycoon Vincent Tan.

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