BY: CHRISTOPHER FERNANDEZ
In Malaysia now, a great debate and a serious discussion is taking place led by the political party, Parti PAS, Malay rights groups and Islamic radicals, who are planning to impose a blanket ban on all forms of gambling should they come to power in the 16th GE.
Basically, fundamental Muslims are aghast as “judi adalah haram di sisi agama Islam,” or gambling is a sin in the eyes of Islam, and therefore they want, what they perceive to be a highly evil activity to be completely banned and banished in this country.
While Malaysia has never been an Islamic state, either expressly or implied, within the context and framework of the Federal Constitution, and is deemed to be a secular state, Islam is the official religion of the nation.
Given that Malaysia is a plural society, and is multi-religious, multi-racial and multicultural, the views of all sectors and segments of the country should be considered on this issue of banning gambling completely.
Striking a fine balance and a better approach
Instead of rashly and impulsively doing away with all forms of gambling, it might be deemed prudent and wise to weigh the pros and cons on the issue and allow gambling but create awareness on the hidden dangers of gambling.
This might seem to be a more rational approach. Allow all legally and licensed gambling, and, as for illegal gambling, moves must be made to supervise, monitor and regulate them by issuing licences as much tax revenue is being lost to the underworld vice kingpins.
This practical and workable way and manner of overseeing the gambling industry must be underscored by a strict Responsible Gaming Policy to be undertaken by all those who want to engage in this activity for leisure and pleasure.
While the ‘cari makan’ (earn a living) aim and objective of some gamblers should not be encouraged as it is better to earn a living from doing day jobs, through hard work and industry, which should be healthier and better for everyone.
Finding the pathway to making gambling a healthy activity
Seemingly, banning all forms of legal gambling might look like a noble deed, but when you look on the flip side, it only serves to promote and boost the flourishing underworld gambling industry which is to say it is to jump from the frying pan into the fire.
Not only this happens. But what has been discovered allegedly is that underworld vice kingpins and politicians form a nexus and engage in profit-sharing exercises in what is really a show of hypocrisy in operating illegal gambling.
This is the actual ulterior motive of a number of politicians rooting to ban all forms of legal gambling, as it is a fact from time immemorial that gambling would never go away and is a permanent fixture of this life.
Malaysians must know the truth and also the corruption, the cronyism, the collusion and nepotism caused by the abuse of power and authority by certain politicians to profit personally at the expense of gullible, innocent gamblers
Choosing successful role models for gambling activities
Instead of running around in circles and getting nowhere in debates and discussions on gambling, whether to ban or not to ban, it might be better for the Malaysian government to look to countries where gambling has become an enjoyable pastime.
By studying and analysing how gambling activity, which can never really be banned, as it is just too exciting and entertaining to disappear completely, the Malaysian government can accordingly tinker and apply a successful gambling model in this country.
Moreover, these countries where gambling activities have proven to be successfully implemented also reveal that their quality-of-life is very much higher than other countries and they rank highly on world happiness indexes.
While there are political parties, religious groups and others in Malaysia rallying for a blanket ban unsuccessfully for decades on gambling, it is better for proponents to ban gambling to study the issue and be truly enlightened of what gambling is all about.
**Christopher Fernandez does not encourage or discourage anyone from gambling and leaves it up to the conscience of every individual to do what they feel is right and proper but without the intrusion and intervention of the state in their lives
-THE MALAYSIA VOICE
(The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher)
