PETALING JAYA: PAS' 72nd annual muktamar approved without debate a motion urging the Federal Government to stop issuing new gambling licences and strengthen states' powers to curb such activities.
Sinar Harian reported that the motion, tabled by the Baling PAS division, was adopted during the motions session at the Pusat Tarbiyah Islam Kelantan (PUTIK) in Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu, on Saturday (Sept 5).
PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, who chairs the muktamar's motions committee, said recent court decisions involving gambling premises licences in Kedah highlighted legal limitations on the powers of state governments and local authorities.
"The muktamar urges the Federal Government, through the Finance Ministry, to review the policy on the issuance and renewal of gambling licences, including considering an end to the issuance of new licences," he said when tabling the motion.
He said state governments, particularly those in the State Government 4 (SG4) grouping comprising Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Perlis, should also strengthen existing laws, local council policies and administrative mechanisms based on legal advice.
The motion also called on PAS MPs to raise the matter in the Dewan Rakyat and propose amendments to federal laws to provide clearer room for states to impose tighter restrictions on gambling premises.
Kedah had previously adopted a policy of not issuing or renewing business premises licences for gambling activities.
However, on Aug 12, the Federal Court dismissed the Kedah government's application for leave to appeal against a ruling that quashed the policy.
The decision left standing the Court of Appeal's majority ruling, which upheld an earlier High Court decision in favour of the affected pool betting operators.
Ahmad Fadhli said PAS believed efforts to address gambling should continue through policy measures, parliamentary debate and appropriate legislative amendments consistent with the Federal Constitution.
A total of 33 motions from PAS divisions, its Youth and Muslimat wings and the party's central committee were accepted at the muktamar.
Among those approved without debate was a motion calling for comprehensive measures to address the rising cost of living, including tighter controls on prices and essential goods, higher incomes and purchasing power, better-quality jobs and stronger social safety nets.
Another called for Ameerah, the young women's arm under PAS Muslimat, to be strengthened within the party's organisational structure.
Ahmad Fadhli said four motions were selected for debate by delegates.
They concern strengthening the "Penyatuan Ummah" agenda for Malay-Muslim political unity and national stability; establishing a Royal Commission of Inquiry into allegations of a corporate mafia; reforms to working hours and the healthcare workforce; and strengthening the country's padi and rice production chain to improve food security.
