GEORGE TOWN: Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has found an ally in Penang Pas, which supported his action to terminate and limit the issuance of licences for liquor sales and gambling premises in the state starting next year.
Penang Pas Commissioner Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff said the Kedah government's initiative was the best initiative in curbing social ills as well as crime involving organised crime groups, such as gangs, which are becoming cancerous in today's society.
He said based on a question during the last state legislative assembly sitting by Penang assemblyman Mohd Yusni Mat Piah, it was revealed that the number of licensed and unlicensed gambling centres and liquor sales centres was very worrying, and these establishments were now growing in Penang.
"Therefore, we urge Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz to study and take into account the action of the Kedah government as an initial step to reduce gambling licenses in the country, which can lower the country's crime rate.
"Penang Pas once again reaffirms our togetherness in supporting efforts and actions of the Kedah government for the benefit of Keluarga Malaysia and the future of the younger generation," he said.
On Sunday, it was reported that Kedah would enforce an effective ban on the operation of all gaming shops by not renewing business licences issued by the local councils.
Sanusi had said that the move was intended to tackle social ills caused by gambling, such as the collapse of family institutions.
He had also said the state would introduce curbs on the sale of alcohol in rural parts of Kedah where the demand for such drinks was low.
Sanusi had said the limitation on alcohol sales would not affect non-Muslim consumers.
Since then, Sanusi has come under attacks by his political foes, namely DAP.
Among them was Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy, who said that it was irresponsible of certain authorities to think that by banning alcohol and gambling they were doing a great religious service to the Muslim community in the country.
Ramasamy said the people in this country had the right of choice, whether to consume alcohol or gamble, and it was not for the government to stop these activities simply because they were deemed offensive to Muslims.
He also said the gambling and liquor ban had nothing to do with the requirements of Islam but a blatant and irresponsible political move to project an image of compliance to Islam.
In response, Muhammad Fauzi questioned Ramasamy's objection, which he said was seen as very emotional and seemed to have a hidden agenda.