‘Harsh, but true’: Kedah MB stands by gambling remarks, denies targeting Anwar

Kedah's Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, has defended his recent comments regarding gambling, asserting that the harsh language was directed at gambling tycoons and not Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The New Straits Times reported that Sanusi aimed to prevent public misunderstanding of his remarks. He emphasized that the issue had been generating controversy "day and night" and advised the public to refer to the original source rather than interpretations by others.

Sanusi affirmed his authority to address the situation at his level and to speak out where he had the power to do so. He clarified that his previous remarks were not intended to target religious leaders or the prime minister, but rather to address those who had supported legal actions challenging the Kedah government's ban on lottery operations.

The controversy stems from November 2021, when Sanusi announced the cessation of issuing and renewing premises licenses for lottery outlets in Kedah. As a result, physical lottery operations have been unable to function since 2023 despite possessing federal licenses. Legal challenges ensued, with the High Court ruling in 2024 that the state government's decision was unlawful and unconstitutional, and the Court of Appeal confirming this decision in December 2025.

The Federal Court's rejection of Kedah's appeal for leave to appeal on August 12 effectively concluded the state government's legal efforts to uphold the ban.