The Gerakan Rakyat Membantah Judi (GMJ) coalition reached out to federal lawmakers today, urging them to protest the federal government's plans to issue a sports betting licence.

Copies of GMJ's memorandum were distributed to all MPs today to inform them of the coalition's demand that the government not grant the licence.

GMJ chairperson Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid told reporters that he hoped the government will also clarify conflicting remarks concerning the licence.

"There are vincent tan sports bettingconflicting statements made by the prime minister, cabinet ministers and Vincent Tan (right). (The latter) claimed he had the licence, but the government has refuted this," said Mohd Azmi.

He argued that the coalition represents 60 NGOs representing all races and religious groups and thus the government must take their demands seriously.

"So if the government wants to prove that they prioritise the needs of the people, then they have to show it by listening to the voice of the people," he said.

Previously, GMJ submitted a similar document to the Keeper of the Royal Seal of the Council of Malay Rulers, and the coalition plans to submit a similar document to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak in Putrajaya on June 23.

Mammoth rally soon

The coalition is also planning a mammoth rally on July 3, when the coalition's leaders will try to submit the document at the national palace.

Mahfuz omar handing over to idris ahmad pas hq 220609 01Pokok Sena MP and PAS vice-president Mahfuz Omar (left), who was also present during Mohd Azmi's press conference, urged the public to attend the march and express support for GMJ's cause.

"Wear your jerseys and bring your footballs. Show that we are for sports but not for gambling," he said.

The federal government is considering awarding a sports betting licence to Ascot Sports Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Berjaya Corporation Bhd owned by tycoon Vincent Tan.

Najib's administration is considering the move as a measure to curb illegal sports betting and generate billions in government revenue.

However, this has met widespread opposition, particularly from religious groups, over fears that legalising sports betting would encourage gambling.

Revenue to government

Meanwhile, Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam Selangor (Cassa) has expressed support for the move to legalise sports betting, believing that it would curb illegal betting syndicates.

jacob george cassa 240408 03Cassa president Jacob George (right) said that it was better that revenue generated from legal sports gambling be channeled towards the government instead of to underworld-linked syndicates.

"Our opinion is that by legalising and regulating the sports betting industry, the government would earn more revenue which run into millions of ringgit, as well as providing employment opportunities for Malaysians," he said.

He adds that government revenue derived from sports betting can be channeled into worthy humanitarian programs and activities nationwide, especially during the current economic downturn.

George further argued that legalising sports betting would have indirect effects on efforts to stamp out related vices such as money laundering, drug trafficking and other illegal activities.

He also hit out at critics to the government proposal, claiming that their criticisms were purely politically motivated.