Islamic Party in Malaysia Vows to Close Casino if Elected

September 16, 2024 Malaysia Casino & Hotel Industry Updates

The Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) has declared its intention to close Malaysia’s only casino if it gains control of the state where the casino is located. This statement reflects PAS’s broader strategy to expand its influence in the Southeast Asian nation.

A senior PAS official announced that if voters in Pahang, the state hosting Genting Group’s casino called Resorts World Genting, want to see an end to gambling, they should vote for the Islamic party. This move taps into widespread concerns among Malaysia’s Muslim majority about gambling, which is prohibited in the Koran, the sacred scripture of Islam.

Andansura Rabu, PAS’ deputy commissioner for Pahang, stated at the party’s recent annual gathering that gambling is harmful and must be shut down. He emphasized that any action must comply with the laws and constitution.

According to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Andansura stated at the party’s annual gathering, “Gambling is harmful, so we have to close it. But it must be in accordance with the laws and constitution.”

“Anything that can harm society, we must work together to eliminate,” Andansura asserted, framing the gambling issue as a societal concern rather than purely a religious one.

Since the 2022 elections, PAS has become the largest party in Malaysia’s federal parliament and currently governs four out of thirteen states. The party is now focusing on Pahang, with hopes of capturing it in the upcoming national election, which is due by early 2028.

The federal government regulates casino and gaming permits in Malaysia, with gaming being one of the most tightly controlled sectors. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim dismissed the idea of opening a second casino resort, following a Bloomberg News report.

Before the pandemic, Genting’s casino contributed approximately 5 billion ringgit (US$1.16 billion) annually to the government’s revenue, according to UOB Kay Hian, a Singapore-based brokerage. After PAS became the dominant party in 2022, Genting’s stock prices initially fell but later recovered when Anwar formed a unity government consisting of liberals, a Chinese-dominant party, and regional groups.

PAS’s rising influence has prompted Anwar to adopt more conservative policies. Last year, his government canceled a concert by The 1975 after band members engaged in a same-sex kiss on stage and banned Swatch watches featuring Pride colors.

At its recent gathering, PAS reaffirmed its stance against collaborating with Anwar’s coalition and pledged to focus on Islamic issues. The party aims to ban both alcohol and gambling, citing these as significant social issues.