Kuala Lumpur: The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) has expressed regret and disappointment over the Kedah Government’s decision to uphold its recent ban on gaming and lottery ticket outlets there beginning Jan 1. Perlis had said it will decide before following suit.
Huazong President Tan Sri TC Goh hoped all quarters, strive to defend moderation and secularism in Malaysia.
He stressed that being a multiracial and multi-faith nation, the people of all races and faiths should understand and respect each other, instead of adopting a “majority rules” policy to push for theocracy.
He called on the “Unity Government” to pay serious attention to the issue, and to take immediate and appropriate measures to safeguard Malaysia’s long established position as a secular state with harmonious multiracial society.
Goh, who is also Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) President urged the state governments in question to emulate Sabah and Sarawak in adopting moderate policies which promote racial, religious and cultural harmony, instead of the other way around.
“Sabah and Sarawak do not have any issue (banning of licensed gaming outlets). We hope states in Peninsular Malaysia, too, can adopt the same policy,” he said.
While acknowledging that no religion in the world encourages gambling, he opined that gambling is a person’s personal conduct and has nothing to do with faith.
“Malaysia practises freedom of religion. Hence, the freedom of the non-Muslim community, which includes gambling and drinking alcohol, should not be restricted or infringed upon, by citing religion, society or family concerns, which might be politically-motivated,” he said.
Goh said latest gambling ban in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, will result in the three state governments and the Federal government losing substantial tax revenue, besides causing many in the licensed gaming sector to lose their jobs.
He also urged Federal to review some of the existing Federal and state laws concerning gaming, which are contradicting each other.
He cited for example, there had been incidents in the past where number forecast operators who have been issued with gaming licence by the Ministry of Finance had to cease operations, when the state government through the local authorities declined to renew their trading licences.
“This clearly indicates a contradiction in jurisdictions between the Federal and the state government, and it should be promptly and properly addressed!” he stressed.
He said it is important that the Federal and state governments strive to ensure good cooperation and compatibility in major policies concerning businesses and investments, in order to better attract foreign investors.
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