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PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic) says he would not have stated that illegal online gambling syndicates are receiving political protection if he had not received a clear explanation from the police.

“I would not have responded affirmatively without being given convincing and clear information on the issue,” said the Home Minister.

“That was why when I was asked if there is (political protection), I said that yes, there is.

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“The police know that they have to face questions from me before I am questioned in Parliament,” he told reporters on Friday (June 16).

He said such political protection had hindered the police’s ability to perform their duties to snuff out such activities.

However, Saifuddin declined to reveal further information, saying: “Let us give space to the police to organise their strategy.”

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On Thursday (June 15), the Home Minister told the Dewan Rakyat that illegal online gambling syndicates were receiving protection from certain politicians, which made it difficult to eradicate the issue.

“I can confirm that there are elements of political protection for online gambling (syndicates),” said the Home Minister, adding that this was the biggest challenge faced by the Home Ministry, police and government.

“How can politicians watch over such criminal activities for the sake of money when it has caused social and economic destruction?” he said.

Saifuddin said political will was needed to address the issue and to amend the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 as well as the Betting Act 1953 to cover offences related to online gaming.