Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has alleged that “elite Malays” are being lured to join a gaming club run by a “rich boss” as members.
He asked why no action has been taken in this case “while action is taken against others”.
Debating the 2022 Supply Bill in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar (PH-Port Dickson) said information on the gaming outlets run by the club had been available through reports published by the media and police.
He estimated that there were some 62 outlets with Malays making up about 45% of the membership. He did not state the locations of the outlets.
“When Malays are allowed membership, they are allowed to gamble,” he said, adding that this could lead to more Malays getting involved in gambling.
He asked why this was allowed to carry on “openly under the Malay-Muslim government” and claimed that “there are efforts to hide these facts”.
Anwar also wanted the finance ministry to inform Parliament on the number of clubs with slot machines and if they had Malay members.
He said information could be obtained from the MySejatera app when these members entered or exited the outlets, adding that one such outlet at Bukit Kiara had been featured in a video.
He said the owner, whom he claimed ran multiple outlets, had invited “elite Malays” to join up but no action was taken.
He also asked police to investigate the matter, claiming there had been police reports lodged.
Anwar also urged the Inland Revenue Department to check on companies running such outlets.
Mahfuz Omar (PH-Pokok Sena) interjected, saying the present government seemed to have given leeway to extra 4D special draws.
He asked the finance ministry to state why there was a need to increase the number of special draws from eight to 22. – FMT