PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari recently took a swipe at National Gerakan deputy president Oh Tiong Keong for wanting to defend ‘lottery fans”.

“You won’t get any extra votes by behaving like this. In fact, not all our non-Muslim friends like this activity,” he penned in a Facebook post.

“While we respect the court’s decision, we also hope that the Kedah state government will find space and opportunities within the existing legal context to ensure that gambling and lottery premises will continue to remain closed.”

Notably, both Perikatan Nasipnal (PN) component parties were engaged in what seemed to ‘friendly fires’ following revelation that the Alor Setar High Court on June 20 has ruled as “illegal, irrational and unconstitutional” the Kedah state administration’s decision to ban their operations.

Pending an appeal to the appellant court by the Kedah state government which has since applied for a stay of execution on the ruling, such outcome could well set a precedent that may lead to the potential lifting of gaming license bans in four PAS-ruled states (Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis and Terengganu).

In fact, the issue of legalising gambling as in number forecast gaming has become a hot potato among staunch opposition and Pro-Pakatan Harapan (PH) key board warriors who have been trading barbs over the matter.

Still big NO to gambling in Kedah

However, when political entities are named as proponents, fingers are often pointed at DAP as “the mastermind defending gambling”.

“They used to slander PAS/PN for receiving funds from gambling companies. But when the PAS/PN government shut down gambling, it was DAP who fought hard to defend the gambling bosses so they could resume their operations,” argued one opposition-slant social media influencer.

“Who actually benefits from gambling? Is it logical for PAS/PN to get funds from gambling companies if PAS/PN wants to close gambling outlets? And there’s still no proof for the allegation anyway. “

However, the counter-argument by pro-PH supporters is that if PAS was over-zealous in wanting to ban gambling, it should have done so when PN administered the country for 33 month instead of at a time when it has lost control of the Federal government.

Moreover, the number of special draws was raised from eight to 22 when PN was in power because tax revenue from gambling activities goes to the federal government and not the respective states.

Whatever the case is, the Kedah state government through the jurisdiction of the state’s local authorities has remained steadfast not to allow gambling premises to operate in the state.

A statement citing the Kedah state Local Government Committee chairman Mansor Zakaria has revealed that local authorities in Kedah still have the option to enforce provisions of the by-laws under the local authorities that are still binding with existing legislation.

“Nevertheless, we give space to be read in the Court of Appeal and I hope this appeal is successful because the notice of appeal has been extended to the court of appeal on June 24 with notice of the stay of execution obtained on July 4 following the Alor Setar High Court decision to revoke the gambling ban (June 20),” it stated.

The statement further revealed the names of the companies that have made objections to the Alor Setar High Court.

https://focusmalaysia.my/pas-gerakan-at-odds-over-rights-of-non-muslims-to-gamble-yet-dap-blamed-for-protecting-interest-of-gaming-operators/