Government urged to reveal politicians protecting online gambling platforms

SHAH ALAM - Many are urging the government to reveal politicians who protect online gambling owners and impose severe punishment on them if found guilty.

Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) secretary general Datuk Dr Maamor Othman said that severe punishment should be imposed including life imprisonment which would end those politicians' political career.

"The government should not only reveal the politicians' name, but should also impose severe punishment if he is found guilty after being brought to justice.

"If there is a need to amend the law to allow them to receive severe punishment, it is appropriate that the amendment be made," he said.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail during a Dewan Rakyat session on Thursday revealed that there is a 'political patronage' that protects online gambling platform operators in the country.

According to Saifuddin, the scenario has become the biggest challenge to the Home Ministry, police and the government.

Commenting further, Maamor stressed that stern action needs to be taken to show that the government does not compromise with criminal acts and misuse of power by famous figures and VIPs.

"It is reasonable to punish politicians who are the masterminds of criminal acts with the maximum or severe punishment because it will have a significant impact on other perpetrators.

"If only the 'anchovies' are caught and punished, 'sharks' and 'tigers' will not feel threatened.

"If all of them gets punished, it will send the right message that the government does not compromise on matters related to gambling because it can damage the economy and ruin people's lives," he said.

In line with PPIM, Malaysian Corruption Watch (MCW) president Jais Abdul Karim believes that disclosing individuals involved in crime can help maintain accountability and warn those who violate the law.

"It can also assure the public that stern actions is being taken to deal with the issue.

"However, the decision to reveal those names depends on existing laws and processes in this country," he said.

Jais stressed that it is very important for the government to uphold justice and integrity in dealing with offences involving politicians or individuals in public positions.

"This is to ensure that nobody is exempted from the law and that everyone is subject to appropriate punishment if found guilty," he explained.

The same goes for Pas Youth leader Ahmad Fadhli Shaari who said that the government needs to reveal the political party of those politicians.

"I am asking the government to reveal (the name of politicians and their political party) and carry out investigation as soon as possible.

"Do not protect these traitors no matter how big their position is," he said.