PAS wants Putrajaya to review gambling licence policy

The Islamic opposition party PAS has called on the federal government to reassess its gambling licence policy, a proposal approved without debate at the party's 72nd muktamar. PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari highlighted the need to consider suspending new licences in order to mitigate the social and moral consequences of gambling.

The motion, presented by Baling PAS, drew attention to Kedah's recent initiative to cease renewing licences for 4D betting and lottery outlets as of January 2023. Despite the Federal Court's denial of Kedah's bid to overturn an appellate court ruling restricting the state's authority to deny renewal of gambling licences based on non-premises-related grounds, PAS remains determined to address the issue.

The party's muktamar resolved to urge the federal government, specifically the Finance Ministry, to review its gambling licence issuance and renewal policy, including the possibility of halting new licences. PAS MPs are also tasked with raising the issue in the Dewan Rakyat to propose amendments to relevant federal laws, allowing states with PAS administrations to enact stricter gambling regulations.

Additionally, PAS seeks to strengthen existing laws and administrative mechanisms at state and local levels to ensure that efforts to curb gambling activities are legally sound.