Federal Court blocks Kedah's gambling ban; Sanusi warns PM of consequences

The Federal Court has ruled against Kedah state government's attempt to implement a blanket prohibition on gambling, marking a significant legal defeat for the administration's morality-driven legislative agenda.

Mentri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor responded sharply to the court decision, warning Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim that allowing gambling to resume in the state would carry spiritual consequences. "If the Prime Minister allows gambling to return, he will be cursed," Sanusi said, reflecting the state government's firm stance on the issue.

The ruling underscores the constitutional limits of state authority in regulating gambling activities, a matter that straddles both federal and state legislative domains under Malaysia's constitutional framework. Legal experts suggest the decision reflects ongoing tensions between state-level religious and moral governance initiatives and federal supremacy in certain regulatory areas.

Kedah has been among Malaysia's most vocal state governments on enforcing strict Islamic principles in governance. The court's decision indicates that despite these efforts, certain legislative measures face constitutional constraints that cannot be overridden by state decree alone.

The outcome leaves questions about potential alternative approaches the Kedah administration might pursue to address its gambling concerns within the confines of existing constitutional and legal parameters.