PETALING JAYA: Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor has hinted that the state government may still have options to pursue its zero-gambling policy after the Federal Court rejected its bid to appeal a ruling on the issuance of gambling licences.
However, he said any further action must first be assessed by the state’s lawyers to ensure that it does not amount to contempt of court.
“The lawyers will explain what the implications are, what binds us, and what we can and cannot do. There may still be a way forward. God willing, there is a way,” Utusan Malaysia quoted him as saying after an event in Baling yesterday.
Sanusi also said the state government had yet to decide whether to issue new licences for gambling premises, noting that the operation of gaming outlets was ultimately driven by supply and demand.
“If no one wants to gamble, then there is no need to open. If there is no demand, there will certainly be no supply,” he said.
Addressing criticism that the state’s stance denies the rights of non-Muslims, Sanusi said the policy should not be viewed as discrimination against any particular community.
He also raised concerns that Muslims could access gambling premises if gaming operations were allowed to continue.
On Aug 12, the Federal Court rejected the Kedah government’s bid to overturn a ruling that barred it from refusing to renew licences for pool betting and lottery operators.
