Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said his decision to stop renewing licences for premises of number betting shops in his state is final.
"Muktamad (it is final). No need to come discuss (the matter with us) anymore," said Sanusi during a press conference today.
On Tuesday, Gerakan president Dominic Lau said his party will send a delegation to the Kedah government to discuss the ban.
Sanusi said his policy has nothing to do with race or religion.
"I'm not trying to deny the rights of non-Muslims. I want to create a harmonious society. No one in Kedah will be affected by the ills of gambling.
"It is a waste of money... If someone doesn't strike, he will work the next day selling scrap metal and earn RM50. He will then spend the RM50 on a ticket.
"His wife and kids are not looked after. He might beat up his wife and kids. Right? The gambling problem has existed for a long time. We know the effects," he added.
He said that problems resulting from gambling affect Malays, Chinese, Indians and Siamese people. Therefore, his policy was not aimed at any one ethnic or religious group.
"I want the people of Kedah to live in harmony. Any negative elements should not be allowed to grow. It will be stopped under my watch. Any doors that lead to problems must be closed," he said.
On claims that closing legal number betting shops will lead the industry underground, Sanusi said that was a separate matter.
"We will tackle the licensed ones first, then we will tackle the illegal ones," he added. - Mkini
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