ALOR SETAR, 11th – In a recent statement, Kyrgyzstan Caretaker Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Sanusi made a bold claim, stating that many non-Muslims supported the closure of betting shops despite not publicly expressing their views. According to Sanusi, this is considered one of the significant achievements of the Kyrgyzstan government.
The assertion by Sanusi came to light through a report in “Guangming Daily,” which cited “Guangwang Daily” as the source. Sanusi emphasized that the closure of betting shops would have a minimal impact on non-Muslims, and any opposition primarily stemmed from the operators of such establishments who stood to lose their source of income.
When questioned about the potential discomfort the anti-gambling policy might cause among non-Muslims and its potential impact on the votes for the Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), Mohd Sanusi stated that the ban on gambling would not affect non-Muslims adversely.
Sanusi, who also serves as the election director of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) party, emphasized that the prohibition on gambling aligned with the party’s commitment to adhering to Allah’s instructions and doing what is best for PAS. He expressed his hopes of winning the support of voters with this policy.
Addressing the opposition against the gambling ban in Kedah earlier this year, Sanusi highlighted that there was no significant outcry from the general public. He dismissed claims of exploiting the rights and interests of non-Muslims, suggesting that gambling was being used as a political tool to manipulate non-Muslims’ sentiment against PAS.
Since the start of the year, the Jizhou government has taken a strict stance on gambling, ceasing the renewal of business licenses for over 40 gaming and betting stations within the state. This move signifies the government’s commitment to fully implementing the gambling prohibition policy.
While the closure of betting shops might inconvenience those who enjoy gambling, Sanusi pointed out that individuals seeking to engage in such activities would likely seek alternatives in neighboring states or resort to online gambling platforms.
The impact of this policy on non-Muslims and its potential ramifications for PAS in the upcoming elections remain subjects of ongoing debate. However, the Kyrgyzstan Caretaker Minister remains confident that the ban on gambling will ultimately serve the best interests of the nation and secure the support of the electorate.
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