MELAKA – Barisan Nasional (BN) component party MCA has distanced itself from the Kedah government’s ban on gambling, saying it is a state matter and has nothing to do with the coalition.
This is despite two of the state assemblymen coming from Umno.
In a press conference today, MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said while gambling licenses are issued by the Finance Ministry, states have the final say on the operation of premises.
“I have said that what happened in Kedah is related to the premises license, which is issued by the state government. That matter is not under the purview of BN, but the Kedah government.
“Secondly, the Finance Ministry issues the (gambling license). It did not start today but has been the case for the longest time. However, when it reaches the states, they have the power to decide (on the premises’ license),” he said.
In a press conference on Sunday, the PAS-led Kedah government announced its decision to not issue new licences or renew existing ones for gambling businesses including 4D lotteries effective immediately.
State Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the government also plans to restrict the sale of alcohol in public places, with it only be allowed to be sold to non-Muslim consumers.
Wee also took aim at DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng for accusing BN and Perikatan Nasional of playing up extremist sentiments in garnering support in the Melaka election, saying the former finance minister should look at his own coalition first.
He was referring to the decision by two Amanah assemblymen, components of the opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan, who stood up in support of the gambling ban when the matter was raised in the Kedah assembly.
“I don’t understand, his (Lim) allies support the Kedah government’s decision, so the justification that (BN is extremist) does not hold water,” he said.
Commenting further on the ban in Kedah, Wee said while he understood that gambling is forbidden in Islam, other races should be allowed to carry out such activities.
“If you want to take action against the Muslims, no problem, because it is haram for them. But freedom must be accorded to others, like it or not.” – The Vibes, November 17, 2021
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