KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 — PAS does not need to include its opposition to gambling in its election manifesto because the stance is already part of the party’s core principles, said Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
Sanusi, who is also PAS central election director, said the public could refer to Clause 5 of the PAS Constitution, which clearly states that the party seeks to uphold Islamic values and laws in governance, including Syariah laws prohibiting gambling premises and regulating the sale of alcohol, Berita Harian reported.
He said people should rely on effort, prayer and trust in God to achieve success in life rather than turn to gambling.
“I hope the people in this state and society as a whole will stay away from gambling and not make luck a means of getting through life,” he said.
“PAS’ position on the prohibition of gambling is clear and based on Islamic principles, and does not depend on whether the matter is included in an election manifesto or not,” he added.
He was speaking to reporters after the Anak Muda Podcast held in conjunction with the 72nd PAS Muktamar at the Pusat Tarbiah Islamiah Kelantan in Pengkalan Chepa here last night.
Sanusi was responding to a video by Perlis Mufti Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin challenging PAS to include gambling and alcohol in its election manifesto.
The video was circulated by a portal’s Facebook account.
Sanusi said there was no need to include such matters in a manifesto as the document was essentially a political party’s offer to voters, rather than a restatement of policies or principles already enshrined in its constitution.
“People say a manifesto is not a holy book. Read the PAS Constitution. What is PAS fighting for? But if people do not want PAS, they will still refuse to accept it, right? They will find all sorts of reasons.
“Islam prohibits gambling! Do we really have to put that in the manifesto too? Why not include the declaration of faith as well?” he said.
On the gambling premises issue, Sanusi said the state government was still awaiting further developments, including possible legal proceedings should gambling operators seek compensation through the courts.
“We will wait for the next steps. They also want to take the matter to court to seek compensation. We will fight it,” he said.
Date: 4 September, 2026 10:10 am
Source: Malay Mail
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