THE RIGHT TO GAMBLE: AN ANALYSIS OF GAMBLING ‘INDUSTRIES’ IN MALAYSIA FROM CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL PERSPECTIVES

Authors

  • Nisar Mohammad Ahmad Faculty of Syariah and Law, USIM
  • Mohd. Mahyeddin Mohd Salleh
  • Mustafa ‘Afifi Ab. Halim

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33102/mjsl.v7i2.185

Keywords:

Gambling activities, freedom of religion, legal and Islamic perspectives

Abstract

This article aims to analyse the gambling activities in Malaysia against the backdrop of human rights and federal constitution. It instigates for effective efforts to be carried out to, at least, minimise the gambling activities, if not to stop them totally. Based on limited sources in the existing literature, this article initially identifies the definitions of gambling and its status from the perspectives of Islam and other religions. It then examines whether gambling is consistent with the very notion of freedom of religion in this country which makes Islam as its religion. Furthermore, to get an accurate perspective of this ‘industry’ and the laws related to it, this article analyses some selected prominent gambling companies and the existing laws followed by some recommendations for solutions. In sum, this article affirms that gambling is neither a good habit nor does it represent the culture of Malaysian people. It in fact contributes towards social ills within the society and therefore needs to be strongly combated.

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References

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List of Cases

i. Lau Mooi Choo vs. PP [1996] 1 LNS 45.

ii. Lina Joy vs. Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan [2007] 4 MLJ 585

iii. Meor Atiqurrahman vs. Fatimah Sihi [2006] 4 CLJ 1.

iv. Pendakwa Raya vs. Thoo Yee Thye & Yang Lain [1991] 2 CLJ 200 (Rep) [1991] 3 CLJ 2830.

v. PP vs. Kit Chee Wan [1998] 5 CLJ 582

vi. Tan Kok Siong @ Tan Koh Heng vs. PP [1994] 1 LNS 158.

List of Statutes

i. Betting Act 1953

ii. Common Gaming Houses Act 1953

iii. Lotteries Act 1952

iv. Racing (Totalisator Board) Act 1961

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Published

2019-12-06

How to Cite

Ahmad, N. M., Mohd Salleh, M. M., & Ab. Halim, M. ‘Afifi. (2019). THE RIGHT TO GAMBLE: AN ANALYSIS OF GAMBLING ‘INDUSTRIES’ IN MALAYSIA FROM CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL PERSPECTIVES. Malaysian Journal of Syariah and Law, 7(2), 101–110. https://doi.org/10.33102/mjsl.v7i2.185