He said Datuk Ti Lian Ker, a lawyer by training, will file a suit to determine if the Kelantan state government had the right to seize lottery tickets and impose a state-wide ban on them.
Dr Chua said MCA was opposed to the ban as it is the “fundamental right” of non-Muslims to have the freedom of choice to gamble if they so wish.
“We will not accept values imposed on us by other religions,” he told reporters here today.
But he quickly added that MCA was not encouraging gambling, stressing that gambling was “definitely not” part of Chinese culture.
Dr Chua also explained that MCA has been trying to meet with PAS to understand the rationale behind the ban, which was instituted overnight after the lottery had been in operation for some 20 years.
However, he said he was not interested to meet or debate with anyone over the ban except PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat.
“He is recognised as the head of the religious council of PAS,” he said by way of explanation.
The PAS-led Kelantan government declared earlier this month that it would ban the sale of lottery tickets and has dug its heels in despite drawing flak from Pakatan Rakyat (PR) ally, DAP.
DAP warned that PAS’s hardline stance on gambling would only slash Chinese support for the party.
The latest flashpoint between the two parties surfaced only days before polling in the Merlimau and Kerdau by-elections, where PAS contested both state seats.
Barisan Nasional (BN) went on to win both seats with increased majorities.
