We survived the economic crisis and we are told that our economic recovery is on track. We are reminded that financial prudence and thrift saved the day, and that they are the keys to our future financial well-being and prosperity.

Gambling certainly is not financial prudence and it definitely does not contribute to thrift. Yet the government is encouraging Malaysians to gamble, and Malaysians at large, hard hit by economic sluggishness, are more than willing to part with their hard-earned cash for that elusive big strike.

There is no shortage of the game of chance. Magnum operates 4-digit draws; Pan Malaysian Pools Sdn Bhd operates 3-digit and 4-digit draws and Sports Toto has 4-digit, 5-digit, 6-digit, 4/49, 6/42 and 6/49. For every draw day, there are nine games of chance.

Multiple that by three and you have 27 games of chance spread over a seven-day period which works out to nearly four games a day, not to mention the lottery run by the Pan Malaysian Sweeps Sdn Bhd which has its draw every three weeks.

As if this is not enough, the government has introduced special draws to exploit the weaknesses of the gambling public. The government, through the Finance Ministry is using the existing vehicles, that is Magnum, Pan Malaysian Pools and Sports Toto, to conduct its special draws.

The proceeds, so derived, go to the government. The only time that it did not go to the government was the one conducted for the benefit of the JE victims in Bukit Pelandok.

At some time in the not-too-remote past, the government terminated the Social Welfare Lottery because the government held dear religion and its teachings (then, at least, the proceeds went to welfare services).

Today the government is engaging in blatant gambling as a source of revenue. And if the annual financial reports of these gaming companies are anything to go by, the government must have accumulated quite a hefty sum since these Special Draws were introduced (the next Special Draw is today).

How is this revenue accounted for and for what purpose is it used? Whatever happened to the principles and values that made the government frown on the Social Welfare Lottery and discontinued it?

The government has assured us that our economy is of sound health. Our Gross National Product is better than previously forecasted; our government is able to acquire shares at double its market price, build new a city; now plans to spend billions to light up Borneo. Why, then, may I ask, is it necessary to raise funds from nefarious activities like gambling?

Contrary to what many may believe, gambling is not confined to the non-Muslims. While the 'Diharamkan' notices are prominently displayed at all number forecast outlets, the number of Muslims patronising such outlets is by no means insignificant.

I feel sad to see punters, the majority of whom can ill afford to gamble, spend money (which would have been better used to provide food or education for their children) on lady luck.

All that hot air about unethical funding; look who's talking.