The strange case involving a Malaysian pro poker player and illegal sportsbetting took another strange turn this week as a letter in support of Paul Phua was withdrawn by a prominent Malaysian politician.
The letter was previously written by Malaysian Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, which voiced support for Phua, noting his assistance in helping the country with homeland security matters. That letter was withdrawn after the prosecution objected and an uproar occurred in Malaysia regarding Hamidi's support of Phua. This was reported by CL News yesterday, and can be read here.
Phua and his son are facing illegal betting charges in the United States, after the FBI raided their Las Vegas hotel room and accused them of conducting an illegal betting ring pertaining to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. If found guilty, he could face years in prison.
The FBI has garnered a fair amount of criticism in the case, as they cut Phua's internet access in order to gain entry to his room, gathering evidence to get an arrest warrant.
Casino Listings will update this story as more developments arise.