'Najib, Rosmah judi' chants at anti-gambling rally

More than 2,000 people participated in the 'Tak Nak Judi' (No To Gambling) rally at the National Mosque at Kuala Lumpur.

Among others, the the crowd chanted “Najib Judi”, “Rosmah Judi” and “Umno Judi” referring to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor.

Chants of “Reformasi” also reverberated through the air.

The rally, which was initially scheduled for 2pm, kicked off at 5pm. It was postponed due to the burial ceremony for Norashikin Mohd Seth, 80.

Norashikin, who died yesterday, was the widow of former deputy prime minister Dr Ismail Abd Rahman.

The rally was organised by the Movement Against Gambling (GMJ). It was a victory celebration to mark the government's decision not to legalise sports betting.

The rally also aimed to urge to government to look into three issues: educating the public to abhor gambling, increase enforcement on gambling and reduce gambling licenses.

“I have seen how gambling can cause families to break up and many other domestic problems. Not only Islam but all religions abhor gambling as it causes more damage than good,” GMJ secretary Suhaizat Kaiat told the crowd.

He also slammed the government for saying that gambling was part of certain ethnic groups' culture.

'Eradicate corruption to enrich coffers'

Meanwhile, PAS Youth leader Nasaruddin Tantawi said in his speech that gambling was a way of life only for those who were lazy.

Taking to the microphone, PKR Youth leader Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akim said the Barisan Nasional government was “digging its own grave” with the gambling issue.

He also ridiculed the government's excuse of legalising gambling under the pretext of increasing revenue for the treasury.

“Eradicate corruption and the nation's coffers would be fine. No need for gambling revenue,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd.

In a related matter, GMJ launched a book titled “Judi di Malaysia: Menghalalkan yang Haram” published by Teras Pengupayaan Melayu.

“Among the book's highlights are on how gambling tycoons are actually running the country,” said its chairman Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid.

The organisers, which included the Islamic Youth movement Abim and Islamic students' movement Gabungan Mahasiswa Islam Malaysia, then held prayers at the mosque and the crowd dispersed at 6pm.

courtesy of FMT