MIC and LDP have both come out to support embattled Prime Minister Najib Razak, who has run into a storm of criticism over the government’s approval of legalised sports betting.

“The MIC is not against legalised sports betting as it involves non-Muslims only,” said MIC president S Samy Vellu.

azlan “I think it should be allowed to curb illegal betting. It is not something new as other forms of legalised betting are already in place for non-Muslims.”

The MIC boss argued that strict rules will be drawn up along with the regulation of sports betting

“They should be adhered strictly. It will ensure that non-Muslims are aware of the rules governing it. By legalising sports betting, we are only curbing irresponsible people from deceiving the people out of their money,” he said.

samy vellu cooperative interview 060709 07 “Also the money from the taxes collected from the company entrusted with the task can be used for certain permissible non-Muslim charitable purposes. So there should not be any cause for alarm.”

Samy Vellu is the latest of among leaders of BN coalition member parties to back Najib on the controversial issue, even as the prime minister faces increasing opposition from within his own party, Umno.

Umno Youth

, as well as state Umno in Johor, Kedah and Perak, have joined the opposition Pakatan Rakyat to criticise the move.

LDP too supports sports betting

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) - a Sabah member of BN - has also argued for football betting to be legalised because it can curb illegal betting.

LDP president Liew Vui Keong, who is the deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department, said illegal gambling could be minimised by providing a legalised means for people to place bets.

"It can help minimise football betting which takes place all the time not only during the World Cup," he was reported as saying by Bernama after visiting the central market in Sandakan.

 

The government would also be able to collect taxes, he said. "I'm confident the government will make the right decision."