In other words
Yesterday, Malaysiakini ran a news item called Dr M gives thumbs up to sports betting. When it comes to politicians from any side of the political divide, you must read not what they say but what they mean ‘in other words’.
NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad does not object to federal government plans to license sports betting because it can help regulate the industry, currently run by underground syndicates.
“With or without a licence, there is a lot of betting going on in this country.”
“The Chinese like to gamble,” he said during a press conference after the Melayu Bangkit rally at the Terengganu Indoor Stadium in Kuala Terengganu this morning.
“Without licensing, there is no way to regulate (sports gambling),” he added.
In other words: The Chinese are immoral and if we can’t beat, then join them.
Quizzed on Pakatan Rakyat’s criticism of the move, Mahathir said its motive is purely political.
“They are doing it for politics and not (for) Islam. How could DAP (be expected to) uphold Islam? This is opposition politics. They are looking for mileage,” he said.
In other words: DAP is not sincere and is an enemy of Islam.
Asked if Tan is one of those who have contributed to Umno’s political funding, Mahathir was coy in his reply.
“He gave the money (from the sale of Ascot Sports) to the (Better Malaysia) foundation, (so) it is (meant) to be given to all Malaysians, not to Umno,” said Mahathir.
He claimed that Tan has been engaged in channelling funds to parties on both sides of the political divide.
“… (H)e is a businessman, and as a businessman I think he does not give to only one side. He gives to Umno, but I think he also gives to the oppostion party as well,” said the former premier.
In other words: Yes, I admit, Vincent Tan does give money to Umno, but I suspect he also gives money to the opposition.
Mahathir also gave his approval to the recently announced 10th Malaysia Plan, describing it as a continuation of the New Economic Policy affirmative action towards solving the problems of Malays.
“The NEM, (the thrust of) which is included in 10MP, takes into account the criticism voiced by Malay NGOs. Hence it continues to protect the interests of Malays.”
In other words: The NEP has not ended and never will.
