MALACCA POLLS | PAS-led Kedah state government's decision to effectively ban gaming shops is believed to be related to the ongoing Malacca state election, said analysts.

They told Malaysiakini that the timing of the announcement, which was yesterday, conveniently coincided with the election where PAS and its allies in Perikatan Nasional were gunning for Malay-majority seats.

"The question here is, why such a decision was not announced six months, or maybe a year ago? This is seen as an action which has political motivation aimed at attracting support for PAS and Bersatu, which really need Malay votes...