ALOR SETAR: Kedah MCA has described the state’s decision to cease the renewal of business licences for gaming outlets as unfair to non-Muslims.

       “While betting is prohibited for Muslims, it is not forbidden for those who follow other faiths,” said Kedah MCA chairman, Datuk Goh Chin Cheung (pic). “Many religions have no prohibition against their followers taking bets.

       “There are already various online platforms where people can gamble, but having licensed premises will provide not only convenience but a chance to engage in it in a regulated environment,” stressed Goh.

       He called on non-Muslim elected representatives in Kedah from DAP and PKR not to keep quiet about the matter but to protest the decision at the state assembly.

       Goh also urged Kedah exco member Dr Robert Ling Kui Ee, who is housing, environment, unity, and Chinese and Thai community affairs committee chairman, to explain why he did not oppose the state’s decision.

       Attempts to contact Ling, who was formerly a PKR member who defected to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia last May, were unsuccessful.

       In a statement, MCA vice-president Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said stopping gaming outlets from operating in Kedah goes against the principle of multiculturalism and pluralism in Malaysia.

       “We do not encourage people to gamble but neither the federal nor the state government should interfere with the freedom and basic rights of the people.

       “Religious agendas of individual political parties and politicians cannot be imposed on the populace,” Tan asserted.

       He said as a country of diverse ethnicity, religion and cultures, the government has for decades shown respect for the way of life and rights of all groups.

       “No one should impose their own values and religious agenda on others, but instead, must respect each other,” he said, stressing that in the first place, Muslims are not allowed by law to patronise gaming outlets.

       Last week, Kedah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor announced that the state’s local councils will stop issuing business operating licences to gaming outlets, while those that still have valid licences can continue operating until the expiry of their licences.