Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi did not discount the possibility that a small number of enforcement officers may have been paid off by illegal gambling syndicates to ignore their activities.

Zahid, who is also home affairs minister, called on all with information about the errant officers to come forward with evidence so that appropriate action can be taken.

"We will not compromise if there is solid evidence, please inform me about any officers who have been paid off.

"We will take legal and disciplinary action as per existing laws," he said, when met after attending the Utusan Melayu Veteran's Club charity tea event in Kuala Lumpur today.

Zahid also urged all not to accuse authorities of not doing their job, adding that enforcement agencies had done all in their power to stop the illegal gambling syndicates.

"Don't accuse officers or authorities of closing one eye, or even two eyes, and allowing illegal gambling activities to persist.

"The truth is the syndicates are too slick," he said.

Asked about the request by Islamic NGO grouping Pertubuhan-pertubuhan Pembela Islam (Pembela) for a meeting with the Home Ministry to discuss ways on how to eradicate illegal gambling, he said was open to the suggestion.

Though he said that this does not necessaruly mean that they will allow the NGOs to be directly involved in enforcement.

"We can talk to them but only authorities have the powers and authority, and we cannot just allow NGOs and individuals to join us in anti-vice raids.

"Though we welcome such initiatives (to talk to us)," he said.

Yesterday Malaysiakini reported Pembela voicing out its worry about alleged bribery of enforcment officers and "hidden hands" who are supposedly protecting gambling rackets.

The NGO then said that it wants to hold discussions with the ministry on how to stop illegal gambling.