KUALA LUMPUR: The act of providing political patronage or protection to illegal online gambling syndicates should be curbed as quickly as possible, says a criminologist.
Datuk Seri Akhbar Satar said if it was true that politicians were involved, it would certainly damage the country.
“It will have a spillover effect because criminals would even have a say in government policy as they own the politicians.
“Politicians should not sacrifice the country for their own personal or political gains,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Such political patronage should not exist as politicians should lead by example by exhibiting good morals and integrity so that the country is not engulfed by corruption, he added.
“A good leader must have the quality in terms of experience and professionalism as well as be able to act without fear or favour.
“However, both criteria are lacking among many leaders nowadays,” he lamented.
He said the political protection of such illegal activities should not be taken lightly.
“Serious efforts must be taken against such acts because they could jeopardise the nation's security if not curbed.
“Illegal gambling has cost the nation billions of ringgit in uncollected revenue – it must be stopped as soon as possible,” he added.
MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong said elected representatives and MPs should demand that the names of such politicians be revealed.
“We should cut through the bureaucracy and let the MPs push for the names to be revealed,” he said.
Chong said the onus is on MPs to seek out the truth since the issue was raised by the Home Minister.
“Such acts of political patronage of the syndicates must not be tolerated.
“Sooner or later, the identities of those involved will be revealed.
“MPs from various parties must demand the identities of the politicians involved be revealed,” Chong added.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had said it was up to the authorities to reveal the identities of politicians involved.
“I leave this to the wisdom of the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). They know better,” he said.
On June 15, Saifuddin Nasution said there was an element of political patronage in online gambling in the country when responding to a question in the Dewan Rakyat, describing it as the “biggest obstacle” for his ministry.
It was reported that both the police and the MACC have received information linked to the claims, with both enforcement bodies exchanging information and intelligence on the matter.
