Kedah PAS Vows to Continue Anti-Gambling Efforts Post-Court Ruling

Kedah PAS has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating gambling in the state following a Federal Court decision to dismiss its appeal against a ruling on gambling license bans. The party expressed disappointment but accepted the court’s judgment, according to Malay Mail.

What Happened

The Federal Court on August 12, 2026, dismissed the Kedah state government’s application for leave to appeal a previous ruling that declared its directive not to issue or renew business licenses for gambling activities unconstitutional, reported Malay Mail. This decision effectively upheld the earlier ruling against Kedah’s ban on gambling premises licenses, as detailed by New Straits Times.

Kedah PAS commissioner Datuk Ahmad Yahaya stated that the party acknowledged the Federal Court’s decision but expressed sadness over the outcome, according to The Star. He reiterated the party’s intention to continue efforts against gambling within the state, despite the judicial setback. The dismissal was unanimous by a three-member bench, which found that the questions of law raised did not meet the threshold under Section 96(a) of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964, as reported by Malaysiakini.

Key Details

• The Federal Court, comprising Datuk Rhodzariah Bujang, Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, and Datuk Azmi Ariffin, unanimously dismissed Kedah’s application for leave to appeal, according to Malay Mail.
• Kedah PAS commissioner Datuk Ahmad Yahaya stated the party accepts the court’s decision but is disappointed with the outcome, as reported by Malay Mail.
• The state government’s policy to stop issuing and renewing gambling premises licenses was initiated following a decision by the state executive council on December 8, 2021, with enforcement commencing January 1, 2023, according to Malay Mail.
• Kedah PAS intends to uphold the principle of amar makruf nahi mungkar (enjoining good and forbidding evil) in its governance, according to Malay Mail.

Why It Matters

This Federal Court decision marks a significant legal clarification regarding the powers of state governments in regulating gambling activities within Malaysia. The ruling suggests a limitation on state-level authority to unilaterally ban existing licensed activities, particularly when challenged on constitutional grounds. The ongoing commitment of Kedah PAS to eradicate gambling, despite the court’s verdict, indicates a potential for continued policy friction in the regulated markets sector, as highlighted by Headtopics.

Originally reported by Malay Mail·Published 12 Aug 2026, 09:00