KUALA LUMPUR — PAS wants Putrajaya to review Malaysia’s gambling licensing policy and to amend federal laws to allow states to impose stricter controls or bans on gambling activities.
Delegates at the 72nd PAS muktamar (annual congress) in Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, today, passed this resolution without debate.
Tabled by Baling PAS, the resolution called for the Finance Ministry to review its policy on the granting and renewal of gambling licences, including considering a halt to the issuance of new licences.
It also called for clearer legal authority for states to opt for stricter policies against gambling based on religious and moral grounds.
Delegates agreed that PAS Members of Parliament should raise the matter at the Dewan Rakyat, as well as propose amendments to relevant federal laws to give state governments authority to decide on such matters without violating federal statutes.
Baling PAS, in its proposed resolution text, said this was particularly important after the Federal Court dismissed the Kedah administration’s bid to stop a legal challenge filed by pool betting operators against the PAS-led state government’s decision to stop renewing as well as issuing new gambling licences.
The Alor Star High Court had allowed the operators’ judicial review in June 2024, and the Court of Appeal upheld the high court’s decision by a 2-1 majority last year. The Federal Court on August 12 dismissed the state’s leave to appeal.
Baling PAS said this showed the limitations faced by state governments and local authorities when attempting to adopt tougher measures against gambling under existing laws. As such, policy changes, as well as legal amendments by Parliament, were necessary.
The PAS muktamar, which concludes today, also adopted another resolution calling for a Royal Commission of Inquiry to probe “corporate mafia” allegations involving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
Other resolutions passed were in support of the party’s agenda to unite Muslims across political parties and civil society; for more action by the federal government to address the rising cost of living; for reforms to public healthcare workers welfare to prevent burnout and attrition; and, for a higher floor price for padi to ensure rice farmers earn sustainable incomes. – Sept 5, 2026