SEREMBAN: The Penang government needs to work with federal authorities to shut down illegal gambling dens rather than accuse the Government of trying to tarnish its image, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Depart­ment Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

He said he was surprised when Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng accused him of “political assassination” after the former named Selangor and Penang as having the highest number of illegal gambling dens.

“I only stated a fact when asked in which states these activities were rampant.

“I never had the intention of mocking or running anyone down,” he said after presenting awards at the Malaysian Caring School Programme jointly organised by the Educa­tion Ministry and MCA’s Huaren Education Foundation.

Last Thursday, Dr Wee said based on statistics gathered by the authorities, the two states with the most number of illegal gambling dens with slot machines were Selangor and Penang, but this had apparently touched a raw nerve with Lim, accusing Dr Wee of deliberately running down his state.

Dr Wee said he would have been unhappy if his home state was named as one of the top states with illegal gambling dens, but rather than making an issue out of it, he would work with those concerned to put a stop to it.

He said the Finance Ministry had imposed stricter licensing conditions for anyone wishing to set up gambling centres.

“It would be good if all parties could work together and up our efforts to put a stop to this menace,” he said.

He said the Cabinet had empowered Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani to take strict measures against the import of slot machines to ensure that only those with proper licences could get them.

Gambling dens have been in the spotlight recently following a robbery-cum-rape case at an illegal gambling centre in Bandar Kinrara and a crackdown on police officers in Melaka, who were allegedly on the take from illegal gambling rackets.

On the Caring School Programme, Dr Wee said MCA had organised it for the past decade to assist Chinese vernacular schools to instil good values and holistic education in pupils.

“We teach these pupils good practices and culture and motivate them even if they are not good academically.

“Through the programme, our teachers will tap the potential in all pupils and not only focus on top scorers,” he said.

Dr Wee later presented awards and letters of recognition to individuals who made significant contributions to schools taking part in the programme.

-The Star-