Rais: betting is a way of life for the non-Muslims
The Sun
Legalised sports betting is “not a problem” in Malaysian society, Information, Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Utama Rais Yatim said today.
“It is not a problem but you must regulate it,” said Rais, adding that it should be legalised and monitored by a special regulatory body.
“I strongly believe that it should come under a well-parametered commission, which would oversee and regulate all kinds of betting,” Rais told a press conference after attending a meeting with Indonesian journalists at Wisma TV, Angakasapuri here.
Citing the existence of Genting Highlands casino for decades, he said Muslims do not have to worry with legal sports betting because Muslims are “barred” from taking part.
“There is nothing disturbing about it. The Muslims will not join them there,” Rais stressed.
Quoting Article 153 under the Federal Constitution, he said the legitimate rights of the non-Muslims must be safeguarded and in this aspect, “legalising something that has been a common practice amongst the non-Muslims is not wrong”.
“You cannot see a Chinese New Year going without gambling, as far as I know growing up in Petaling, Jelebu. There are many cases in the country to show that betting is a way of life for the non-Muslims. We have to respect that, and just adding one more does not hurt,” he said.
Rais pointed out that saying ‘no’ to legal sports betting, would mean allowing the purists in Islam to dictate the lives of non-Muslims, while at the same time encouraging black market growth.
He added that the government is not a Muslim government but one that is for a multiracial society.
“In Kelantan for instance, liquor sales is allowed for the non-Muslims. To me betting and selling liquor equates which each other. The purists are being very sentimental and emotional. If the Muslims are too grumpy about using the non-chaste emolument of payment, they do not have to touch it,” he said, proposing an escrow account be set up for the proceeds from the legal betting.
He said the proceeds from the betting can be used for the welfare and betterment of the non-Muslim poor.
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Tan Sri Vincent Tan |
On Berjaya Group chairman Tan Sri Vincent Tan’s pledge to donate RM525million from the proceeds of the sale of his shares in the sports betting company Ascot Sports to Berjaya Group, to the Better Malaysia Foundation to help the under-privileged, Rais suggested that it can be channelled to the non-Muslim under-privileged.
Asked about opposition from certain Umno quarters on issuing license for sports betting, he said: “Being uncomfortable is one thing, but being objective is another, and you have to think objectively in this matter.
“This is not the kind of Umno leaders you want. If your community is not going to be involved, why should you worry?” he asked, adding that he is prepared to face any kind of criticism.
Rais urged everyone, including politicians and public to view the issue in the perspective of respecting the rights of non-Muslims.
He added that people should not pre-empt that Muslims would take part in it, as there would be proper regulations to bar them from doing so.
