PAS lulus usul gesa kerajaan nilai semula dasar pemberian, pembaharuan lesen judi

PAS has approved a motion urging the federal government to reassess the foundation of gambling licensing and renew gambling licenses, including considering the cessation of new licensing issuance to curb the social and moral impacts of gambling. PAS spokesperson Ahmad Fadhli Shaari revealed this during PAS's 72nd Muktamar conference at the Islamic Tarbiah Centre Kelantan.

The move also referenced Kedah's efforts in November 2021 to stop local authority-issued gambling licenses for lottery premises starting from January 1, 2023, leading to six petitions for judicial review filed by lottery betting syndicates, betting syndicate companies, or their authorized representatives to challenge the state government's decision.

On June 20, 2024, the Federal Court declared Kedah's decision as ultra vires the Constitution, issuing a certiorari order to revoke it. The Court of Appeal, in a majority decision on December 12, 2025, ruled Kedah's action of halting the issuance and renewal of betting business licenses for lottery controllers as irrational and unconstitutional.

Fadhli emphasized that this development highlights the limitations of state and local authority (LAP) power to take a more robust approach towards gambling-related matters, as they fall under the division of powers under the Constitution. PAS's resolution calls for the federal government, through the Finance Ministry, to reassess gambling licensing and renewing processes, considering halting new licensing issuance to create clearer and more solid foundations for state governments to enforce stricter regulations on gambling operations.

Additionally, PAS urges state governments, especially those under PAS rule and Perlis, to strengthen existing laws, the PBT framework, and management mechanisms based on legal advice to enable effective anti-gambling actions grounded in strong legal principles. The Federal Court rejected Kedah's appeal on August 12, 2024, to seek redress for its decision to revoke the halt on the issuance and renewal of betting business licenses in the state.