PARLIAMENT | Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim claimed that "tens of thousands" of Muslims are gambling on slot machines in at least 62 clubs licensed with such facilities.
During his speech on Budget 2022 today, Anwar claimed that the number of Muslims with such membership had increased during the past one and a half years.
He did not provide evidence for his claims.
According to Anwar, access to licensed slot machines by Muslims in clubs was unlike the strict ban on Muslims imposed at the Genting Casino in Pahang.
"This is happening openly under the noses of the 'Malay-Muslim' government. There appears to be an attempt to hide this fact. We want to know how many slot machines are there and Muslim club members use such facilities.
"Now we have MySejahtera. Don't deny it. There will be records on MySejahtera of Malays participating in such activities. There are many," the Port Dickson MP said.
In view of this, he urged the Finance Ministry and the police to investigate his claims.
Govt urged to live up to 'Malay-Muslim branding'
Anwar's speech was interrupted by Mohamad Sabu (Pakatan Harapan-Kota Raja) who jokingly chided the opposition leader for putting pressure on the federal government, which is an administration "without a manifesto".
"Since they (the government) don't have a manifesto, they will do whatever to find revenue," said Mohamad.
To this, Anwar acknowledged that the government did not have a set of election promises to keep, but insisted that they had to live up to their "Malay-Muslim" branding.
"There is a 'manifesto of the people' and more so for Muslims. This is a 'Malay-Muslim' government, yet they are encouraging gambling," the PKR president said.
Following this, Mahfuz Omar (Harapan-Pokok Sena) chimed in as well, accusing PAS of being complicit in legalised gambling.
"Perhaps the government is allowing some freedoms because they have the 'halal stamp' from the many Muslim scholars sitting on the government bench.
"(I'd like to inform the House) that tomorrow there will be a special draw (for number betting firms) and there is an outlet just 70m from the headquarters of PAS," he said. - Mkini
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