GEORGE TOWN, June 14 — Penang will assist police efforts to eradicate illegal gambling in the state, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
“Eradicating illegal gambling is under the police’s power and we are ready to support and provide assistance to the police if needed,” he said.
Lim was responding to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s order for Penang police to wipe out gambling activities in the state.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also home minister, claimed there was a risk that gambling kingpins could finance political parties if their illegal activities are not curbed.
Lim today declined to respond to the claim, noting that the DPM did not identify any party when making the allegation.
He also stressed that his administration was not responsible for gambling licences as these were under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
“We have also taken a strong stand against a casino in Penang which was proposed by a Padang Besar Umno MP,” he said.
