Gambling: Who profits, who loses?
THERE are a few things that disturb me in the objections against football
betting by political parties. The objections come from a small group within
Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties, and is also championed by
the Pakatan Rakyat.
Who profits monetarily if football betting is not legally allowed in
Malaysia? Certainly, those who profit would be those who gain from the
"underworld". Whether football betting is legalised or not, it is widespread
and will continue to prosper during the World Cup season. The "underworld"
will be overrun with profit.
The country will not gain anything in return. Malaysian citizens who are
gamblers will continue to place their bets. Whether they are Chinese,
Indian, Malay or others. Yes, gambling, whether legal or not, will be the
focus of Muslims who are interested in gambling. There is no need to deny
it.
I urge the Muslims and the political leaders to learn from the policy of
"Develop with Islam" which has been upheld in Kelantan for 19 years. Under
Islamic administration in Kelantan, (Kelantan Mentri Besar) Datuk Nik Abdul
Aziz Nik Mat continued to permit the sale of liquor to non-Muslims by
imposing liquor tax on premises that sell liquor.
"On the issue of selling liquor, only non-Muslims are allowed to sell it to
their communities because banning it will make it difficult for non-Muslims
to enjoy liquor," said Nik Aziz on Nov 19, 1992.
Two years later, on Nov 26, 1994, when certain quarters who did not
understand the "Develop with Islam" concept criticised the policy and sale
of liquor in Kelantan, Nik Aziz said: "Kelantan uses revenue from liquor
tax, dog licences and as such to finance the cost of building roads and
other development projects. Non-Muslims can drink liquor, so when they
drink, to ensure safety, from whom does the government take the money from?"
Although four-digit lottery is not allowed in Kelantan, gambling in the form
of Big Sweep lottery is allowed. Shops which become Big Sweep agents are
still allowed to sell lottery tickets in their premises under the "Develop
with Islam" policy.
So, why should PAS and opposition parties follow some members in BN
component parties in opposing the issuance of football betting licence?
Is it because the issuance of the licence will threaten the income of some
important people in the "underworld". And if the income of these people is
threatened, would donations from this people to some political parties be
threatened as well?
If we learn from "Develop with Islam" and Nik Aziz, there is nothing wrong
for an Islamic leader to grant licence to allow for "sinful" activities as
long as it is not allowed for Muslims. If social problems are indeed the
reason, then liquor too is a cause that frequently leads to serious crimes.
In this matter, I am of the same opinion as Nik Aziz.
betting by political parties. The objections come from a small group within
Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties, and is also championed by
the Pakatan Rakyat.
Who profits monetarily if football betting is not legally allowed in
Malaysia? Certainly, those who profit would be those who gain from the
"underworld". Whether football betting is legalised or not, it is widespread
and will continue to prosper during the World Cup season. The "underworld"
will be overrun with profit.
The country will not gain anything in return. Malaysian citizens who are
gamblers will continue to place their bets. Whether they are Chinese,
Indian, Malay or others. Yes, gambling, whether legal or not, will be the
focus of Muslims who are interested in gambling. There is no need to deny
it.
I urge the Muslims and the political leaders to learn from the policy of
"Develop with Islam" which has been upheld in Kelantan for 19 years. Under
Islamic administration in Kelantan, (Kelantan Mentri Besar) Datuk Nik Abdul
Aziz Nik Mat continued to permit the sale of liquor to non-Muslims by
imposing liquor tax on premises that sell liquor.
"On the issue of selling liquor, only non-Muslims are allowed to sell it to
their communities because banning it will make it difficult for non-Muslims
to enjoy liquor," said Nik Aziz on Nov 19, 1992.
Two years later, on Nov 26, 1994, when certain quarters who did not
understand the "Develop with Islam" concept criticised the policy and sale
of liquor in Kelantan, Nik Aziz said: "Kelantan uses revenue from liquor
tax, dog licences and as such to finance the cost of building roads and
other development projects. Non-Muslims can drink liquor, so when they
drink, to ensure safety, from whom does the government take the money from?"
Although four-digit lottery is not allowed in Kelantan, gambling in the form
of Big Sweep lottery is allowed. Shops which become Big Sweep agents are
still allowed to sell lottery tickets in their premises under the "Develop
with Islam" policy.
So, why should PAS and opposition parties follow some members in BN
component parties in opposing the issuance of football betting licence?
Is it because the issuance of the licence will threaten the income of some
important people in the "underworld". And if the income of these people is
threatened, would donations from this people to some political parties be
threatened as well?
If we learn from "Develop with Islam" and Nik Aziz, there is nothing wrong
for an Islamic leader to grant licence to allow for "sinful" activities as
long as it is not allowed for Muslims. If social problems are indeed the
reason, then liquor too is a cause that frequently leads to serious crimes.
In this matter, I am of the same opinion as Nik Aziz.
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