Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has warned Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim that he could face the wrath of Kedahans if gambling activities are allowed to resume in the state.
Speaking in Alor Setar, Sanusi said the Kedah government had already taken extensive measures to curb gambling activities, including imposing a blanket ban on gambling and lottery outlets in 2023.
However, the state’s move was overturned after the Federal Court ruled against the blanket ban on Aug 12, effectively opening the door for the issue to be reconsidered.
Sanusi said the Kedah government had done everything within its authority to restrict gambling activities in the state before the court ruling. He maintained that the state had taken a firm position on the matter through its previous ban.
With the Federal Court decision now changing the legal position, attention has shifted to what happens next and whether gambling and lottery outlets could eventually resume operations in Kedah.
Sanusi’s warning puts the federal government in the spotlight, particularly Anwar, as Kedah’s state administration continues to oppose the return of such activities.
The issue is expected to remain contentious as the state and federal governments navigate the implications of the court ruling and the next steps concerning gambling outlets in Kedah.
