Polling is not the same as gambling, says Religious Affairs Minister

BAGAN SERAI - Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Idris Ahmad has rebuked the action of certain individuals who liken the voting process to gambling.

He said the comparison was inaccurate and voting could not be equated with gambling activities, which was illegal in Islam.

"Let us not legalise what is haram and forbid what is halal.

"Gambling is another issue, so I hope this matter can be rectified," he told reporters when met at the Munajat Perdana ceremony and launching of the Bagan Serai Pas candidate at the Pasar Alor Pongsu site, here, on Thursday.

A video went viral on social media showing a former nasyid singer expressing his stance not to vote in the 15th General Election (GE15).

In addition, the singer said the act of candidates withdrawing money (desposit) for the election was similar to gambling.

Commenting further, Idris said deposit money was part of the requirement in the election to ensure that the process ran smoothly.

He said voting was a responsibility of each citizen and it was their right to determine the government's administration.

"If there is no deposit, then everyone wants to contest, it will be a hassle to manage the forms. So there has to be a deposit, and the money will be returned to the candidates.

"It's the same with voting, if we do not vote, it will be our loss because the election will still be held even if we decide not to vote.

"It does not matter who you want to vote for, if you right-minded, you can choose which party or candidate is the best," he said.