Kelantan agrees to review lottery ban

The Kelantan government is reviewing its controversial ban on the sale of lottery tickets following criticism that it contravened federal laws.

Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat had directed the state legal adviser to study the matter.

Several parties, including MCA, had questioned the legality of the ban because federal laws allowed the sale of lottery tickets.

Nik Aziz said the state government was open to suggestions and views on gambling issues and would clarify where needed.

His press statement was read out by his press secretary Fadhli Shaari at his office here yesterday.

The statement was issued after Nik Aziz met a Pakatan Rakyat delegation comprising PAS secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali, DAP Youth chief Anthony Loke, DAP central executive member Liew Chin Tong and PKR information chief Dr Mohd Nur Manuty.

MCA central committee member Datuk Ti Lian Ker said the party welcomed the review.

“MCA has been consistent in its stand that the law must prevail,” he added.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek had accused the Kelantan government of infringing on the rights of the Chinese after two bookshop owners were slapped with compounds for selling lottery tickets to the public on Feb 26.

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