The award of a sports betting license to Berjaya Group is a mockery of the prime minister’s New Economic Model, DAP National Publicity Secretary Tony Pua charged today.

dap 2010 budget rocket cafe 071009 tony pua 01 "Within two months of its launch, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has sounded the death knell for his own New Economic Model by awarding the most lucrative multi-billion gambling concession of the year to Vincent Tan, a well-known associate of BN," he said.

The Petaling Jaya Utara MP ( right ) said that what was worse was that the deal was done in the most opaque manner with no calls for proposals, open tenders or auctions for the lucrative sports betting license.

"On what merit was Vincent Tan awarded this multi-billion gaming concession which will not only enrich him but impoverish the rakyat by encouraging more gambling?" Pua questioned.

The parliamentarian in his statement claimed the rakyat were angry because they were being taken for a ride by the prime minister who has promised many changes but has instead shown that the ruling Barisan Nasional government is completely incapable of change.

"The practice of cronyism, rent-seeking and patronage to vested NONE interest parties is continuing is broad daylight with the complete endorsement of Najib Abdul Razak," he added.

Pua called upon the Barisan Nasional government to immediately withdraw Berjaya’s latest gaming concession and set up a special parliamentary select committee to review the impact of sports betting on Malaysians.

"And only if approved, can an open, transparent and competitive tender or auction be called to ensure transparency and best ‘value for money’ for both the government and Malaysians," he said.

New PM does it

According to Sin Chew Daily , Najib, who is also finance minister, NONE yesterday formalised the release of a football betting licence to the Berjaya Group through its subsidiary, Ascot Sports.

Berjaya - owned by tycoon Vincent Tan ( right ) - had earlier sought licensing from the government to operate sports gambling operations. It was issued with the licence by then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1987.

However, Tan surrendered the licence in 1990 after finding the operation not lucrative enough.

Berjaya was reissued the licence in 2003. However, it was not allowed to operate by Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who took over from Mahathir in 2004. With a new prime minister at the helm, Berjaya was finally given the green light.