Focus on keeping Muslims from gambling, Ramkarpal tells Sanusi

DAP leader Ramkarpal Singh has expressed disapproval of Kedah Menteri Besar Sanusi Nor's efforts to find alternative methods to ban gambling in the state, despite the Federal Court rejecting the state's appeal to overturn a decision on issuing gambling licenses. Ramkarpal emphasized that Sanusi, a PAS leader, should focus on preventing Muslims from engaging in gambling activities rather than seeking ways to bypass the court's ruling.

He urged Sanusi to accept the reality that licensed gambling is now legal and that there is no need to look for loopholes. The DAP legal bureau chief made these remarks in a statement, noting that Sanusi had previously pledged to consult legal advisers to avoid contempt of court. Ramkarpal warned that a complete ban on gambling would only push demand towards illegal black-market syndicates and online platforms.

He cautioned that Sanusi should recognize that licensed gambling has been a part of Malaysian life, and gambling-related business licenses are permitted under the Federal Constitution as it does not violate the sensitivities of non-Muslims in the country. The Federal Court rejected the Kedah government's attempt to overturn a ruling on August 12th that barred the state administration from denying renewal of licenses for pool betting and lottery operators.