DAP MP challenges MCA, MIC on PAS gambling goal

DAP's Chong Zhemin has challenged MCA and MIC to disclose if they back PAS's goal of utilizing federal power to eradicate gambling nationwide. Chong asserts the issue extends beyond gambling, focusing on safeguarding the interests of non-Muslim Malaysians. This comes after PAS urged Muslim voters to elect PAS to federal power to ban gambling, following the Federal Court's refusal of Kedah's attempt to overturn a ruling that prohibited it from revoking pool betting and lottery licenses.

Chong emphasized that a vote for BN is effectively a vote for PAS and a ban on gambling, as the electoral pact between BN and PN would necessitate a government formed with Umno, MCA, and MIC. He urged MCA president Wee Ka Siong and MIC president SA Vigneswaran to reveal their stance on PAS's objective. Chong further argued that Putrajaya must protect the constitutional freedoms of non-Muslims, noting that PAS cannot demand a religious gambling ban be enforced through federal law across all Malaysians, regardless of faith.

He emphasized that a nationwide prohibition would infringe on the rights of non-Muslims to engage in activities lawful and regulated under federal law. PAS's ulama council stated that the responsibility to eliminate gambling now lies solely with voters, deeming it a requirement of 'upholding what is right and opposing what is wrong'.