Karpal Singh criticised the Kelantan legal adviser for saying the state’s ban on the sale of lottery tickets was within the state’s rights, when in fact the matter comes under federal law.

NONE The DAP Bukit Gelugor MP ( right ) expressed “shock” that the Kelantan adviser, Azlan Abdul Halim, had announced that the state ban was within the legal rights of the state, as reported in Star today.

“The sale of lottery tickets is not illegal. In fact, the matter comes under federal law and federal law has not banned the sale of lottery tickets,” said Karpal in a statement today.

He questioned Azlan’s stand, saying it was not backed by any reasoning.

“An opinion without reasons amounts to nought,” he said.

“I advise the state legal adviser to seek advice from the attorney-general before embarking upon opinions that will confuse the Kelantan state government,” said Karpal.

NONE Earlier this month MB Nik Aziz ( left ) after a meeting with Pakatan Rakyat delegates, had agreed to consult the state legal adviser on the banning of the sale of lottery tickets by street vendors.

Earlier, MCA president Chua Soi Lek had questioned the state government for issuing summonses on Feb 26 on two bookshop owners for selling lottery tickets, saying it was infringing on the rights of the Chinese.

The Kelantan government’s coalition partner DAP had then sought the MB’s clarification of the ban.

“I would advise the PAS-led Kelantan government to lift the ban which is unjustified and has caused undue anxiety and concern among the people of Kelantan,” said Karpal.