{
  "id": 3621703,
  "title": "YOURSAY | Kedah has no constitutional power to ban gambling",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/yoursay-kedah-has-no-constitutional-power-to-ban-gambling",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-27T00:01:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malaysiakini",
    "slug": "malaysiakini",
    "url": "https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/783033"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Kedah state government does not possess the constitutional authority to prohibit federally licensed gambling activities within its jurisdiction. The regulation of gambling and lottery licensing falls under the purview of the federal government. During its time in federal power with PAS as part of the coalition, the Perikatan Nasional government had increased the number of special draws from eight to 22 annually. This raises questions about the sincerity of PAS's stance on gambling prohibition and the reasons behind its inaction during its tenure as part of the federal administration. The comments section reflects the diverse opinions of Malaysiakini subscribers, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that respects the constitutional limits of state powers while addressing the concerns of all Malaysian citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.",
  "summary": "'Why didn't PAS propose nationwide prohibition during its years in govt?'",
  "key_points": [
    "Kedah state lacks constitutional power to ban federally licensed gambling.",
    "Federal government regulates gambling and lottery licensing.",
    "PAS increased special draws during federal power, questioning sincerity."
  ],
  "editors_take": "This development highlights the constraints on state governments in Malaysia, showing that their powers are bound by the federal constitution, which limits their ability to legislate on certain matters like gambling.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malaysiakini",
        "title": "YOURSAY | Kedah has no constitutional power to ban gambling",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/yoursay-kedah-has-no-constitutional-power-to-ban-gambling-3622726",
        "published": "2026-08-27T00:01:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Kedah PKR hits out at Sanusi over remarks on gambling licences",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/kedah-pkr-hits-out-at-sanusi-over-remarks-on-gambling-licences",
        "published": "2026-08-27T03:23:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}