Mujahid Yusof Rawa, the minister in charge of Islamic affairs in Malaysia, has said that his personal opinion regarding betting is to ban gambling of all forms, including in Genting Highlands which houses the country’s biggest casino.
He said: “Ideally, there should be no (gambling in) Genting Highlands. It is problematic.” He quickly added that the gambling industry would be around as long as there was a demand.
Earlier, Edmund Santhara (PH-Segamat) asked if the government’s policy on gambling was only to allow large companies, while rejecting applications by smaller companies.
Meanwhile, Mujahid said the law does not stop Muslims from being shareholders in gambling companies.
“But from a moral point of view, a Muslim should not be a shareholder of a gambling company,” he added.
Mujahid also agreed to a proposal by Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh (PAS-Pasir Puteh) for a committee to be set up, comprising representatives from different religions, to discuss issues related to gambling.
The former PAS MP also praised authorities in Kelantan in restricting gambling in the state.
Source: freemalaysiatoday.com
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