Linking Penang to gambling a letdown to its Muslims, state mufti tells Sanusi

GEORGE TOWN – Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s statement linking Penang to 4D outlets is a letdown to Muslims in the state, said state Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor.

He said Sanusi painted the state in a bad light by asking people to come to Penang to gamble.

Wan Salim said that Sanusi needs to be more careful when he speaks in public, especially on matters related to Penang.

“What he is saying runs contrary to the Keluarga Malaysia concept that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is trying to promote to the masses.

“As a Muslim brother, I would like to advise him to be more careful when issuing statements,” Wan Salim told journalists here.

He also said that calling Penang a place of vice is unbecoming of another state leader.

Wan Salim took offence when Sanusi purportedly told those who want to patronise 4D lottery outlets in Kedah to go over to Penang as his state government plans to ban such premises soon.

“He should not issue statements that could cause controversy with other states, especially with his neighbour. He should be working towards building a good relationship with all parties,” said Wan Salim, adding that linking gambling to Penang is an insult to its Islamic religious institutions as the state is committed to strengthening the position of Islam.

Some RM70 million has been allocated since 2008 to implement various Islamic programmes and strengthen Islamic institutions in the state.

Wan Salim also told Sanusi to uphold the reputation of his menteri besar office as the highest state’s administrative position.

He also pointed out that Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah is the head of Islam for states who do not have a Malay ruler, including Penang.

Meanwhile, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee Chun Kit slammed Sanusi, saying that he should not resort to using race or religion to garner votes in the Melaka election.

“We in Penang feel that Sanusi is trying to fish for votes in the Melaka election by coming out with policies he thinks can win support. He is desperate.” – The Vibes, November 15, 2021

Additional reporting by Sofia Nasir