Kuala Lampur, Aug. 18 -- In Kedah State's decision not to renew business licences for pool betting operators was 'ultra vires' the Federal Constitution I wrote that the majority decision of the Court of Appeal ruled that the Kedah State's decision was "ultra vires" the Federal Constitution.

The majority decision found support in no less than four Federal Court decisions.

The first was the case of Gin Poh Holdings Sdn Bhd (in voluntary liquidation) v The Government of the State of Penang & Ors [2018]. The case concerns the constitutionality of two laws.

The first was a federal law - the State Legislatures Competency Act 1962 (the Act). The second was a state law - the Penang (Incorporation) Enactment 2009 (the Enactment).

Exercising th...