They are both BN component parties, but MCA and Gerakan in Kedah hold different views on the state ban on sports betting outlets.

chua soi lek dinner at penang 260310 alor setar division chief chong itt chew Both are awaiting the official Kedah BN stand, but state MCA head Chong Itt Chew (right) claimed that the Chinese community is unfazed because other forms of gambling are still available to the public.

He said the party approves of sports betting because this has been legalised by the federal government to prevent abuse and to generate revenue.

Chong questioned whether the state, led by PAS for the Pakatan Rakyat coalition, will be able to override the decision endorsed by premier and BN head Najib Abdul Razak.

"Our boss up there made the decision, so we have to follow it, although we still need to get more information," he said when contacted today.

When told that state Gerakan Youth chief Tan Kheng Liang not only supports the ban but had attended a Pakatan dialogue on the issue, Chong said the former was probably "only amusing himself (syok sendiri) ".

"He probably also does not understand the situation - that this is a decision by the federal government which thinks that if we do not legalise (betting), it will have a worse affect on the community."

‘Implications for all'

The Pakatan dialogue on May 26 brought together the Youth wings of PAS DAP and PKR and 22 NGOs. They want the government to retract the sports betting licence issued to Ascot Sports Sdn Bhd.

During the meeting, Tan had stressed the importance of looking beyond political differences and religion, as the matter affects the public interest.

"If the government considers cancelling the licence, it should be on the grounds of social illness to Malaysians, and not solely based on the principles of Islam," Tan said when contacted.

The dialogue concluded with a joint press statement demanding that the federal government examines the implications of sports betting on Malaysians, regardless of race and religion.

Tan said Gerakan Youth's stand on betting has not been endorsed as the party has yet to hold a meeting at state level. However, the wing's views have been conveyed to the state leadership.

Reacting quickly, the Pakatan-led governments of Penang and Selangor have decided not to issue premise licences for sports betting outlets.

They cited the need to protect good family values, apart from moral and religious reasons, for their decision.