Govt. Muslim MPs mum on Casino Bill

By Dinouk Colombage-Sunday, 27 Oct 2013

The controversial Casino Bill (Regulations under Strategic Development Projects Act), which has been withdrawn from Parliament Order Paper, has left the Muslim political circles divided.

Central Provincial Councillor, Azath Salley, has lashed out at the Muslim political figures in the government, accusing them of turning their backs on their religion. "This Casino Bill, and all forms of gambling, goes against the teachings of our religion. On religious grounds we must all stand together and oppose this Bill. It is haram to support such a project," he said.

While Salley went on the offensive, the Muslim members of the ruling coalition used the withdrawal of the Bill from parliamentary debate as an opportunity to avoid commenting. A.H.M. Fowzie, Senior Minister of Urban Affairs, refused to comment on the Bill stating, "There is no need to speak about this since it has been withdrawn from Parliament."

However, Fowzie admitted that if the Bill was taken up again in Parliament for debate with the amendments, then he would comment. "How can I make my stance known until I have seen the Bill? Once it is seen, then only will I comment," he said. The minister refused to comment on whether or not his religion would play a role in his decision to support or oppose the bill.

When contacted, many other Muslim MPs in the government declined to comment and requested not to even mention their names in the story.

According to Quran, gambling is considered to be a sin and is strictly forbidden, while accepting there are benefits to mankind the sin of it outweighs them.