KOTA BHARU, Mar 18: The ban on gambling in Kelantan is not new and has been for so long accepted by all communities in the state, said DAP Socialist Youth chief Anthony Loke Siew Fook (left).
“The Chinese community has accepted PAS’s administration for the past 20 years. PAS’s principles are well known even to the non-Muslims.
"It is no longer a issue. The issue now is just about sale of lottery tickets," said Loke following a meeting with Kelantan Menteri Besar Tuan Guru Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.
The meeting was also attended by Bukit Bendera member of parliament Liew Chin Tong, PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali and PKR information chief Dr Mohd Nor Manuty.
Loke said the issue over the lottery ban had more to do with legal technicalities, since sale of lottery tickets comes under the jurisdiction of the Federal government.
Loke said the state government was aware of this and agreed to study the matter.
“We respect that gambling is forbidden for Muslims. The only question now is the non-Muslims buying lottery tickets because it is allowed by the Federal government, and the state government is ready to investigate specifically on the lottery issue.
"And if it is allowed after this legal review, we will have to look on its implementation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mustafa said the Kelantan government would leave the matter to its legal advisor.
Mustafa said the Federal government had approved lottery tickets to be sold at any place.
“Even if they sell by the river, what can we do?" he quipped.
Nik Aziz had earlier slammed UMNO-led Federal government for allowing gambling activities which made life difficult for people of all faiths.
Reiterating the state's opposition to all forms of gambling, Nik Aziz said its decision to ban premises from operating gambling activities was in accordance with its power.
He said that while his administration would continue to uphold the Federal constitution, the fact remains that "gambling brings more harm than good".
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