PAS, which continues to grapple with the contradiction between its theocratic ideals and its desire to win the hearts and minds of non-Malay voters, is now invoking the plight of women married to men with gambling addictions to justify its push to ban gambling outlets.
According to Harakah, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, speaking on a Chinese-language podcast, recalled how the late PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, during his tenure leading the state, took steps to shut down gambling outlets.
He claimed that some members of the Chinese community had approached Nik Aziz to thank him, saying their husbands were no longer spending their money and time at gambling outlets.
“They said, ‘Thank you, Tok Guru, because now when our husbands have money, they no longer spend it at gambling outlets, they no longer spend their time at gambling outlets, and they spend time with their families,” he said.
While acknowledging that the rights of non-Muslims to engage in activities permitted by their religion must be respected, Tuan Ibrahim (above) pointed out that all religions prohibit vice and emphasise positive values.
“PAS prohibits Muslims from getting involved, but PAS has never prohibited non-Muslims from practising something if their religion and culture permit it.
“But if their religion itself does not permit it, then we say we are merely enforcing your religion. If your religion does not permit it, then how can you do it?” he asked.
No addiction, please
Tuan Ibrahim contended that while some people might gamble purely for entertainment while spending time with their families, the practice should not be allowed to develop into an addiction.
“Gambling only benefits the gambling operators. The victims are the poor. The prospect of gambling lures the poor, but they will become addicted. Once they are addicted, their money will be spent on gambling, their families will be neglected, and their children will be neglected,” he said.
“The gambling operators are the ones who profit. Of course, they make money. But our people who are poor and struggling get their salaries, and sometimes half their wages are spent on gambling. It has become a culture, a trend.
“This does not only involve non-Muslims; some Muslims are also involved,” said the Cheka assemblyperson.
Wreaking havoc
Tuan Ibrahim said the same concern should be applied to alcohol consumption, particularly when what may begin as a normal practice develops into an addiction that can wreak havoc on a person’s life.
The PAS deputy president emphasised that his party does not want negative values to develop into social norms that could damage family institutions and jeopardise the future of younger generations.
“As leaders, we have to think about what kind of culture we want our people to live by, and what goals we want to build for the people. So we first need to be clear about the policies, and from those policies, we will then develop programmes.
“PAS’ struggle is that we want our country to be developed, prosperous and just, without racial conflict and with a strong economy, including in education,” he added.
Tuan Ibrahim said PAS wanted to build positive values together with non-Muslims, including the principles of fair leadership, being free from corruption and not abusing power.
“We want leaders who are just, who are not corrupt, who do not abuse power, who do not like to misuse their authority and who are considerate towards the people, even if they are not Muslims,” he added.
On Aug 12, the Federal Court rejected the PAS-controlled Kedah government’s bid to overturn a ruling that barred it from refusing to renew licences for pool betting and lottery operators.
The gambling ban has also become a focal point in a political battle for non-Muslim votes on the sidelines involving DAP, MCA and MIC after Umno, which has agreed to an electoral alliance with PAS, supported the prohibition.
Yesterday, DAP lawmaker Chong Zhemin demanded that MCA and MIC state their stand on the matter. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.