PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali today defended the recent move by the Kelantan state government to ban the sale of lottery tickets from business premises in the state.

NONE "It has always been the Kelantan state government's policy for the past 20 years to oppose any form of gambling," said Mustafa ( right ) in a statement to the media.

Fending off criticism that PAS is conducting a process of Islamisation, he argued that the issue should be seen in a wider scope, which is not limited to Muslim or non-Muslim or Malays or non-Malays.

"What needs to be seen in this controversy are the negative effects of gambling.

"In my humble opinion, this activity is opposed by all religions in order to propagate good families, societies and countries," he reasoned.

However, he said that because this issue involves principle and policy, he will bring this matter to the top Pakatan Rakyat leadership for discussion to formulate a solution.

"Umno and BN has legalised gambling as the licenses are issued by the federal government. Pakatan Rakyat must have clear policy on this because it concerns the well being of the people," said Mustafa further.

He was referring to statements made by DAP chairman Karpal Singh, among others, calling for the ban to be lifted.

PAS' use of Islamic law and adamant policy of pursuing an Islamic state has it at odds with the mainly socialist DAP and the multiracial PKR which can be seen to have secular leanings.