Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim Denies Plans for Casino in Forest City Amidst Speculation

A casino is not being developed in Forest City, Johor, according to reports that have been categorically denied by Malaysia’s prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim.

The charges were categorically denied by Ibrahim in a statement to Bloomberg, saying, “Not true, not true.” casino license. He pointed to a crossing sign to indicate his rejection, saying, “That’s a lie.”

The idea originated with claims that Anwar held talks with prominent people like Vincent Tan, the founder of Berjaya, and Lim Kok Thay of Genting Group about obtaining a second casino license for the Forest City development.

Malaysia’s tight gaming laws make any meaningful transactions unlikely, even if a casino would aid the $100 billion real estate project.

The three-month casino license renewal procedure, which is managed by Anwar, the finance minister, presents additional challenges given Malaysia’s Muslim majority and the nation’s ingrained antipathy to gambling.

The whole Malaysian casino market has been dominated by Genting since 1969. Together with managing projects in other nations, it operates Genting Highlands’ lone casino.

As to the publication, the King of the Kingdom holds a substantial stake of more than 20% in the joint venture Forest City, which is overseen by developer Kingdom Garden.

Original Story by: Asian Gaming Brief