PAS clamour on gambling punctured by Tabung Haji silence

PAS ulama council information chief Nor Hamzah is urging Muslim voters to aid his party in forming the next federal government so they can abolish gambling entirely. However, this desire appears ironic as PAS previously failed to overturn a court ruling prohibiting it from revoking the business licenses of pool betting and lottery operators.

Interestingly, the PAS-led Kedah government did not attempt to ban gambling during their rule. In 2021, the previous government even permitted gaming companies to conduct 22 special draws annually for 4D numbers, in addition to regular draws. Meanwhile, the current Anwar Ibrahim administration limited the special draws to just eight per year since 2023.

This reduction in gambling activities might prompt voters to consider Anwar's approach instead. While focusing on lotteries may be misguided, PAS should prioritize addressing the Tabung Haji fiasco impacting Muslims across the nation. The party's failure to participate in the special Dewan Rakyat sitting on the royal commission of inquiry report on Tabung Haji is particularly regrettable, as it contradicts their claims of protecting Muslim interests.

The opposition, led by Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, has shown a willingness to engage with critical issues, unlike PAS. Voters may question whether PAS would actively address pressing matters if they held power, and if Syed Saddiq's involvement in debates demonstrates better suitability for government representation. Ultimately, safeguarding Muslim interests requires actions, not just rhetoric.