‘Harsh, but true’: Kedah MB stands by gambling remarks, denies targeting Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 — Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has stood by his controversial remarks over gambling, saying that although his words were harsh, they were directed at gambling interests and not Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to the New Straits Times, Sanusi said he was reiterating the point to prevent the public from being misled by interpretations of what he had said.

“I targeted the gambling tycoons. I did not target ustaz, religious leaders or the prime minister. I targeted the gambling tycoons.

“Have the courage to speak the truth.

“They are harsh words, but they are true,” he said while speaking at the Generasi Pewaris Sejahtera Negeri Kedah 2026 convention in Alor Setar yesterday.

Sanusi said the issue had continued to attract comments “day and night” and urged the public to refer to the “original source” rather than rely on interpretations by others.

He said he would continue to use his position as menteri besar to speak out and take action where he had the authority to do so.

“I have the authority to act, so I take action at my level. I have the space to speak, so I speak,” he said.

Sanusi has faced criticism over earlier remarks that some interpreted as wishing ill on Anwar in connection with the gambling issue.

He has denied that interpretation, maintaining that his comments were aimed instead at those who had sponsored legal action seeking to overturn the Kedah government’s ban on lottery operations in the state.

The dispute dates back to November 2021, when Sanusi announced that the Kedah government would stop issuing and renewing premises licences for lottery and number-betting outlets. Physical lottery outlets have consequently been unable to operate in the state since 2023 despite holding federal licences.

Lottery operators challenged the policy in court, and the High Court ruled in 2024 that the state government’s decision was unlawful and unconstitutional. That decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal in December 2025, which found that Kedah could not use its powers over premises licensing to impose a blanket prohibition on an activity regulated at the federal level.

On August 12, the Federal Court rejected Kedah’s application for leave to appeal, effectively ending the state government’s legal bid to defend the ban.