Contradictory statements by the Finance Ministry and Berjaya Corporation Bhd over the controversial sports betting licence have raised questions as to who is telling the truth.
In a notice to Bursa Malaysia on May 12, the company stated: 'The Finance Ministry had given its approval for the re-issuance to Ascot of the licence to carry out sports betting operations.'
Copies of the notice were distributed this morning to journalists by Petaling Jaya MP Tony Pua (right), at the Parliament lobby.
Finance Minister Najib Abdul Razak, in a written parliamentary reply yesterday had said the government has yet to issue the licence because public feedback is still being sought and additional terms and conditions are still being drafted.
In a notice to Bursa Malaysia on May 12, the company stated: 'The Finance Ministry had given its approval for the re-issuance to Ascot of the licence to carry out sports betting operations.'
Copies of the notice were distributed this morning to journalists by Petaling Jaya MP Tony Pua (right), at the Parliament lobby. Finance Minister Najib Abdul Razak, in a written parliamentary reply yesterday had said the government has yet to issue the licence because public feedback is still being sought and additional terms and conditions are still being drafted.
Pua argued that should it be proven that Najib, who is also prime minister, lied to the Dewan Rakyat, he should be referred to the Rights and Privileges Committee.
"Had the PM lied? No reasons why he should not be subjected to the committee," he said.
On the other hand, if Bursa Malaysia finds that Berjaya had provided false information, the company can face up to RM3 million fine or a jail term not exceeding 10 years or both.
"This is a clear and direct contradiction to the Finance Ministry announcement yesterday. If public feedback was still required, Berjaya should not have made that announcement," he told reporters.
No denial of licence approval from govt
Rasah MP Anthony Loke questioned why no government official came out to deny that the licence was given to Berjaya and that they had stood silently allowing Vincent Tan to make statements on the implementation of sports betting by his company.
"Why did not a single official from the Finance Ministry come out to deny that no licence was given? The impression given to the whole world is that the licence has been given and this is confusing to the public especially the investors," he asked.
“We want Najib to clarify,” Loke said, adding that it is high time for the prime minister to speak up.
No denial of licence approval from govt
Rasah MP Anthony Loke questioned why no government official came out to deny that the licence was given to Berjaya and that they had stood silently allowing Vincent Tan to make statements on the implementation of sports betting by his company.
"Why did not a single official from the Finance Ministry come out to deny that no licence was given? The impression given to the whole world is that the licence has been given and this is confusing to the public especially the investors," he asked.
“We want Najib to clarify,” Loke said, adding that it is high time for the prime minister to speak up.
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