{
  "id": 1853279,
  "title": "‘There may still be another way’: Sanusi signals Kedah will explore legal room to maintain zero-gambling stance",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/there-may-still-be-another-way-sanusi-signals-kedah-will-explore",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-19T03:12:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/08/19/there-may-still-be-another-way-sanusi-signals-kedah-will-explore-legal-room-to-maintain-zero-gambling-stance/231867"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kedah's Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, has stated that the state will investigate any potential legal avenues to uphold its zero-gambling policy following the Federal Court's denial of its appeal. Sanusi cautioned that any action taken must comply with the court's decision and avoid contempt proceedings, as he lacks expertise in the matter. He expressed hope that there might still be another way to maintain the policy. The government has not yet decided on issuing new gambling licenses, and Sanusi emphasized that demand for such establishments determines their opening. He rejected claims that Kedah's stance was aimed at denying the rights of non-Muslims, asserting that the policy is rooted in religious principles. Sanusi reiterated that Muslims entering gambling premises raises concerns, while those from religions where gambling is permissible can proceed as they wish. The Federal Court dismissed Kedah's appeal on August 12, ruling that the state's directive to issue gambling licenses was ultra vires, or beyond its legal powers, and inconsistent with the Federal Constitution.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 — The Kedah government will examine whether it has any legal avenues left to pursue its zero-...",
  "key_points": [
    "Kedah Menteri Besar Sanusi seeks legal avenues to maintain zero-gambling policy.",
    "Federal Court denied appeal on August 12, ruling state's gambling directive ultra vires.",
    "Sanusi hopes alternative exists to uphold policy within legal and religious boundaries."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Kedah's vow to explore alternative legal avenues to preserve its zero-gambling policy signals the state's determination to balance its religious principles with the Federal Court's ruling.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Sanusi hints at ‘way forward’ to uphold Kedah gambling ban",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/sanusi-hints-at-way-forward-to-uphold-kedah-gambling-ban",
        "published": "2026-08-19T02:52:14.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "‘There may still be another way’: Sanusi signals Kedah will explore legal room to maintain zero-gambling stance",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/there-may-still-be-another-way-sanusi-signals-kedah-will-explore-1859510",
        "published": "2026-08-19T03:12:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}