Malaysia’s PAS vows to shut casino if it controls Pahang – ‘gambling is harmful’

Parti Islam Se-Malaysia aims to tap the concerns of the country’s Muslim majority over gambling, which is forbidden in the Koran

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The casino in Genting Highlands, Malaysia. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 3:56pm, 15 Sep 2024

An Islamic party said it was prepared to shut down Malaysia’s only casino if it wins control of the state where it is located, as the group looks to build its influence in the Southeast Asian nation.

A senior official from Parti Islam Se-Malaysia said if voters in central Pahang state – home to Genting Bhd.’s casino – wanted gambling to end, they should choose the Islamic party. The party is tapping into concerns by the country’s Muslim majority over gambling, which is forbidden in the Koran.

PAS has been growing its influence since the 2022 elections made it the biggest party in federal parliament. It already controls four of Malaysia’s 13 states and is looking to capture Pahang in the next national election that must be held by early 2028.

“Gambling is harmful, so we have to close it,” Andansura Rabu, PAS’ deputy commissioner for Pahang, said at the party’s annual gathering. “But it must be in accordance with the laws and constitution.”

The federal government decides on casino and gaming permits in Malaysia and gaming is one of the most regulated sectors in the country. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim earlier this year ruled out the possibility of opening a second casino resort after a Bloomberg News report.

Parti Islam Se-Malaysia, or PAS, supporters in Kelantan state one day before the 2022 general election. Photo: Shutterstock

Genting’s casino contributed as much as 5 billion ringgit (US$1.16 billion) annually to government coffers before the pandemic, according to a report by UOB Kay Hian, a Singapore-based brokerage. When PAS emerged as the biggest party after the 2022 elections, Genting shares slid but recovered as Anwar formed a unity government made up of liberals, a Chinese-dominant party and regional groups.