Malay rights NGO Perkasa has countered criticism by PAS Youth that it has been silent on the issuance of a sports betting licence.

In a strongly worded text-message circulated to the media this morning, Perkasa head Ibrahim Ali (left) described PAS Youth and others concerned as being "blind, deaf and only taking cheap shots at Perkasa" over the issue.

The federal government awarded the licence to Ascot Holding, a subsidiary of the Berjaya Group, on May 11. PAS Youth has been a leading critic of this.

Ibrahim claimed he had spoken out against gambling in a statement carried by Astro Awani when the issue first arose.

In the same statement, he told PAS Youth to target the Penang and Selangor governments before attacking the federal government or Perkasa.

He argued that, in both the Pakatan-controlled states, 4D gambling outlets like Magnum, Toto and Damacai are operating freely.

This, he contended, is in contrast to Kelantan where the PAS-led state government had long banned such outlets.

" Saya cabar jika mereka anak jantan. Perkasa desak dari awal semua judi diharamkan ," he said in the text-message.

(I challenge them, if they are man enough. Perkasa from the onset has called for all forms of gambling to be outlawed.)

"Aren't Selangor and Penang under Pakatan rule? They (PAS Youth) can't even see the elephant before their own eyes," he said.

Reaction to challenge

In a Harakahdaily report today, PAS Youth reacted to Ibrahim's challenge on gambling operations in Pakatan-led states.

"I challenge Perkasa to an open debate session (with) PAS Youth," said the movement's head Nasrudin Hassan (right) .

"We are ready to meet Ibrahim in any stadium, field or hall as long as this does not overlap with the muktamar (PAS assembly) planned for June 9-13.

Nasruddin also reminded the PAS organ that the authority to approve gambling licences is a federal power vested in the Finance Ministry.

Ibrahim, w hen contacted, said that PAS Youth does not have the ‘right status' to debate with him.

"Let PAS Youth debate with Umno Youth, that is their match. The Perkasa president can debate with (MCA president) Dr Chua Soi Lek, (DAP leader) Lim Kit Siang or (Gerakan president) Koh Tsu Koon." he said.

Ibrahim said it is not necessary for Perkasa to hold demonstrations because its stand against gambling "is already clear and firm".

"Selangor, Penang and Kedah should revoke the premise licences for 4D gambling operators. This is under the purview of the local authorities.

"PAS Youth should demonstrate in Selangor, Penang and Kedah first," he insisted.