Malaysia’s Islamic party PAS has called on the federal government to review its policy on issuing and renewing gambling licences, including considering a halt to new licences.
The motion was approved without debate at PAS’s 72nd muktamar after being tabled by the party’s Baling branch. It also refers to efforts by the Kedah government to stop renewing local business licences for 4D betting and lottery outlets.
PAS seeks stronger federal control
PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said recent court rulings had highlighted the limits faced by state governments and local authorities when attempting to impose stricter controls on gambling premises.
On August 12, Malaysia’s Federal Court rejected the Kedah government’s attempt to overturn a Court of Appeal ruling preventing the state from refusing to renew local business licences for pool betting and lottery businesses solely because of their gambling activities.
The Court of Appeal had previously ruled that local authorities could regulate business licences based on premises-related considerations such as building conditions, safety, sanitation, nuisance and the suitability of locations.
PAS argues that these decisions demonstrate the limited scope available to state governments because gambling and gambling licensing fall under federal jurisdiction.
Party seeks changes to federal law
PAS plans to ask the Finance Ministry to review the federal policy governing gambling licences. The proposal covers both renewals and the possibility of stopping the issuance of new licences.
PAS MPs are also expected to raise the issue in the Dewan Rakyat, Malaysia’s lower house of parliament. The party wants amendments to relevant federal laws that would give state governments clearer legal authority to impose stricter policies on gambling premises.
PAS has additionally called on states administered by the party, including Kedah and Perlis, to strengthen existing laws, local authority policies and administrative mechanisms governing gambling premises.
The initiative therefore targets two levels of regulation - a federal review of gambling licensing policy and broader legal powers for states to impose tighter restrictions on gambling venues.
Source: Free Malaysia Today
