Unfair to portray judges as 'un-Islamic', Aziz tells PAS

Unfair to portray judges as 'un-Islamic', Aziz tells PAS

Published: Jul 12, 2024 9:36 PM


The judiciary was merely following the laws of the land when it overturned Kedah’s ban on gambling activities.

Hence, according to Tebing Tinggi assemblyperson Abdul Aziz Bari, it is inappropriate and unfair for the state’s Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor to portray himself to be a champion of Islam and that the High Court judge was against the religion.

“PAS should remember that whatever policy and decision they make must be within the framework of the system, which includes the laws and regulations.

“This applies to all parties, be it those in governments or opposition benches,” the DAP leader said in a statement today.

Aziz (above) also chastised PAS for behaving as though the party has the authority to decide whether a person goes to heaven or hell in the afterlife and seemingly carries a “holier than thou” attitude.

“The Islamic injunctions, including heaven and hell, apply to all including PAS leaders and their members,” he said.

Aziz was responding to Sanusi’s comments on the Alor Setar High Court decision.

“I have fulfilled my role and taken a stance in line with God’s commands. Those involved will answer to God. They think they can escape in this world, but not in the afterlife.

“I have done what is within my power. I have carried out God’s command upon me. Every human is sent to the world with the responsibility of being a caliph,” the menteri besar was quoted as saying by Berita Harian Online on Wednesday.

Judicial review

Sanusi announced in November 2021 that gambling shops in the state will not have their business licence renewals approved. On Dec 31, 2022, all gambling and lottery operations had to cease operations as their licences expired.

Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor


The move prompted several gambling shop operators to file a judicial review, contending that it was illegal, irrational, and unconstitutional.

Among others, they argued that Articles 74 and 75 of the Federal Constitution empower only the federal government to enact laws and regulations for gambling.

The Kedah government has since applied for a stay of execution on the ruling, pending an appeal to the Court of Appeal.