INTERVIEW | Umno has no issue with PAS’ campaign to abolish gambling in the country, saying the activity is opposed by people of all races and religions.
However, Umno supreme council member Razlan Rafii said legislative amendments would first be needed to realise the agenda.
“That is PAS’ view, to prevent gambling from taking place, but we have a federal government that (regulates) the law.
“So if one day - who knows - Pakatan Harapan MPs may say we need to amend the Constitution, that we don’t want gambling (activities) because they damage society and everything else - that can be done.
“Ban gambling, no problem,” he said in an interview with Malaysiakini.
Razlan was responding to PAS’ position that it wants to eliminate gambling outlets nationwide. The party has cited the Kelantan government’s move to do so since 1990.
More recently, Kedah attempted a similar move, but gambling operators challenged it in court.
Last week, the Federal Court rejected the state government’s application for leave to appeal an Alor Setar High Court ruling in favour of the operators.
The decision did not legalise gambling. Instead, it concerned the Federal Constitution’s division of powers between state and federal governments.
Umno and PAS are cooperating politically through BN and Perikatan Nasional, respectively, with them benefiting from the arrangement in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.
They are also seeking another pact ahead of the Malacca state election.
As such, PAS’ latest position could have implications for BN-PN cooperation.
PAS turns to voters after setback
On Aug 13, following the Federal Court decision, the PAS ulama council “obliged” the public to vote for the party, saying this was the only way to stop the issuance and renewal of gambling premises licences.
“This proves that PAS-led state governments have exhausted all their efforts and resources, and made maximum use of the legal avenues available to curb this vice.
“Every effort has been mobilised up to the limits of the powers available at the state level.
“Given the court’s decision that the actual authority to eradicate gambling lies in legislation at the federal government level, this burden and responsibility has now shifted entirely onto the shoulders and into the hands of voters,” said its information chief Nor Hamzah.
‘Fear not’
Razlan said other ethnic groups need not fear if BN and PN were to return to federal power together.
He said BN’s record in government showed that it had never marginalised other communities and that all had been able to share in the country’s prosperity.
“If we are destined to be together, of course we will have an understanding with PN. If that happens, the other communities should not be afraid.
“Because even when BN was the government in the past, we never sidelined other communities,” he added. - Mkini
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