KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya’s decision to allow betting companies to hold 22 “special draws” this year alone has drawn ire from PAS’ Bachok MP Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz.
He slammed the Finance Ministry for approving this, saying that in comparison, Pakatan Harapan – when it held federal power – only allowed eight “special draws” a year.
“The previous PH administration should be given credit for its move to reduce the number of special draws. PAS is committed to eradicating ‘sin’ industries and the dark economy that is said to amount to hundreds of billions a year.
“I hope the government via the Finance Ministry can re-evaluate the decision, and withdraw its approval. It damages the national economy and keeps the country from God’s blessings,” he said in a statement last night.
He said the government of the day requires political will to curb such gambling activities.
In a written reply to Pokok Sena MP Datuk Mahfuz Omar in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said the government approved all 22 applications for “special draws” this year.
However, Nik Abduh’s comments seemed to run contrary to Perak PAS commissioner Razman Zakaria’s reaction on Tuesday.
Razman told Malaysiapost that PAS members should not react to the government’s decision on “special draws”.
He was quoted as saying that the decision was not made by PAS members who are in cabinet.
“If you ask me, gambling activities are for the non-Muslims. We Muslims have halal and haram so we Muslims take care of Muslims.” – The Vibes, September 24, 2021
