PETALING JAYA: PAS pledges no alcohol or gambling ban in Selangor—citing the multireligious, multiethnic, and multicultural makeup in Selangor as the key reason.

Selangor PAS chief Datuk Ab. Halim Tamuri said Selangor is unlike Kelantan and Terengganu where Muslims made up of 99% of the population.

 “We cannot simply apply the same governance model used in PAS-led states like Kelantan to Selangor.

“States like Selangor and Perak differ significantly in social context, community structure, and public awareness,” he said when leading a delegation of PAS to visit Sin Chew Daily in conjunction with Mooncake Festival on Monday.

Ab Halim, who is also the state assemblyman for Paya Jaras, stressed that the diversity in Selangor demands a distinct approach to administration—one that respects its pluralistic society.

“PAS previously governed Selangor together with Parti Keadilan Rakyat and Democratic Action Party for two terms. We have experienced former executive councilors and a former deputy speaker.

“Our decade-long experience as part of Selangor’s ruling coalition has taught us how to govern more effectively and sensitively,” he said.

Alcohol sales in Chinese new villages ‘not an issue’

On the sensitive issue of alcohol, Ab. Halim adopted an open stance.

He said it is perfectly acceptable for convenience stores in Chinese new villages to sell alcohol, given these areas are predominantly non-Muslim.

“But in Malay kampungs where the population is entirely Muslim, there’s no need for such sales. This is about mutual understanding,” he said.

He added that private events involving alcohol are also acceptable.

 “If it’s a private gathering, I believe it’s fine—it’s your choice. When Chinese hosts invite Muslims to a banquet, they usually prepare halal sections. Muslim guests can simply dine in those designated halal areas.”

However, he clarified that official government functions must strictly follow existing protocols—where alcohol is prohibited by policy—and all parties must comply.

Gambling: A non-Muslims’ right

While PAS-led states no longer issue or renew business licenses related to gambling, Ab Halim emphasized that Selangor cannot be treated the same way.

“In my view, this is a right granted to non-Muslims—and it is permitted. They may carry out such activities, and we have already given our assurance on this,” he said.

Abdul Halim led a PAS Selangor delegation including his deputy Sungai Ramal assemblyman Shafie Ngah, Sungai Burong state assemblyman Mohd Zamri Mohd Zainuddin who is the Selangor PAS Ulama Council head and others to visit the headquarters of Sin Chew Daily in conjunction with the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The group met with Sin Chew Daily Executive Editor-in-Chief Chan Aun Kuang, Deputy Executive Editor-in-chief Choo Joon Kian and section heads to exchange views on political developments, current affairs, and issues involving the Chinese community.