THE Kelantan Chinese can give up their hope for good that the ban on gambling will be lifted in the state, reported China Press.

PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat was quoted as saying that the community should instead focus more on making decisive influence on trade which they are good at.

"Gambling will never bring you far and gamblers will always find themselves at the losing end," he told the daily in an exclusive interview.

Nik Abdul Aziz, who is also the state Mentri Besar, said gambling should not be treated as a way to make a fortune, adding that it has nothing to do with knowledge.

"No matter how smart you are, you will end up as a loser in gambling. So do not place bet and try to avoid gambling," he said.

On another issue, Nik Abdul Aziz said three party candidates are qualified and well prepared enough to succeed him as the party leader.

The three are Kelantan's Deputy Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob, PAS vice-president Datuk Husam Musa and Kelantan's state executive councillor Nik Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah.

The daily reported that this was the first time that Nik Abdul Aziz had openly named his successors since he held the helm as the Mentri Besar in 1990.

He added that the three have been his understudy for some time, and asked, "If they are not good enough, who else can be better?"