THE recent statement from PAS to stop the issuance of license for gambling premises has undoubtedly raised the heat in the local political landscape.
Towards this, MP of Kampar Chong Zhemin wants MCA and MIC to make a stand on whether they agree or disagree with it.
“One vote for BN is now a vote to put PAS in Putrajaya and ban gambling. PAS has made its position very clear,” Chong said, adding that PAS cannot form the Federal Government on its own.
According to Chong, they need to answer a very simple question. If BN and PN contest the next general election as allies, will MCA and MIC support a BN-PN government that gives PAS enough seats and political power to implement this policy?”
He said MCA and MIC could no longer have two different messages, one for Malay voters and another for non-Malay voters.
“At the same time, MCA and MIC cannot go into Chinese and Indian communities to seek support for BN while pretending that a vote for BN has absolutely nothing to do with PAS,” Chong pointed out.
MCA has since responded to his statement, claiming that Chong was a provocateur by pressuring the party to state its position on a PAS leader’s remarks regarding gambling.
MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon said, “I would like to ask him to look in the mirror before questioning MCA over statements made by PAS, as DAP has teamed up with PAS three times.”
Meanwhile, MCA Youth deputy chief Mike Chong said statements made by PAS leaders on various issues need to be viewed in a more mature context.
“If it is a view based on a Muslim’s religious beliefs, it does not automatically mean that such a view becomes national policy,” he said.—Aug 14, 2026
Main image: Parlimen Malaysia
