‘Take action against politicians involved in illegal online rings’
PETALING JAYA: A politician runs into a “businessman” at a function, they chat and a deal is struck.
Only it’s not a businessman, but a runner for an illegal gambling ring and the deal involves protection for the syndicate.
In return, the politician gets political and personal funding which could amount to millions of ringgit.
Sources familiar with the matter said the syndicates stay in business by paying off well connected politicians in exchange for authorities’ inaction over their activities.
The sources confirmed that Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail was right when he said that the syndicates were getting “political patronage”.
The minister on Wednesday said there was an element of political patronage in online gambling activities in Malaysia and described it as the “biggest obstacle” for his ministry.
The source said the syndicates use runners who pose as businessmen to approach politicians at political events, election campaigns and social occasions.
“Obviously, if the politician accepts the funds, he is expected to return the favour by ensuring the illegal activities continue without hindrance from the authorities.
“Often, the politicians themselves do not get involved directly – aides may be involved – but they are fully aware of it.
“The deal happens between runners and the politicians’ trusted aides,” the sources said.
Former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said Saifuddin’s revelation was nothing new.
“They (unethical politicians) have been involved in everything, not just gambling syndicates.
“This has been happening for a very long time and had hampered police work.
“During my time, it involved such dens operating gambling machines.
“Today, it has progressed to online gambling, making a crackdown on these syndicates more difficult,” said Musa.
He agreed that current gambling laws are outdated and should be amended to include harsher punishments.
Criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy said severe action should be taken against crooked politicians shielding illegal online gambling syndicates.
“The Home Minister deserves praise for exposing this. The minister must have substantial evidence to back the claim.
“However, its should not merely be lip service.
“A task force comprising members of enforcement agencies and civil society should be formed without delay,” he said.
These “godfathers” protecting the syndicates must be named and face the music, said the former associate professor of Universiti Sains Malaysia.
