A prominent Muslim political party has committed to the closure of Malaysia’s sole casino if it secures the upcoming Pahang state election. Resorts World Genting in Genting Highlands is required to renew its gambling license on a quarterly basis.
Fortune Asia reported on Monday (16 September) that an Islamic political party has pledged to close Resorts World Genting if it wins the upcoming general election in Malaysia.
Four of Malaysia’s thirteen provinces are currently under the authority of Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS). It intends to include Pahang, the third largest state, in the forthcoming election, which is scheduled to take place in early 2028.
Increase in the Influence of the Conservative Party
In 2022, PAS became the dominant party of the federal government after winning 43 of the 222 seats in Malaysia’s lower chamber. The results were described as “shocking” and indicative of a “sea change” in Malaysian politics in a commentary on Channel News Asia.
According to James Chin, a professor of Asian studies at the University of Tasmania, the conservative religious politics of PAS have become increasingly appealing. “In Malaysia, political Islam has become the norm.”
The Quran prohibits gambling, classifying it as a “unjust transfer of wealth” and listing it among the “works of Satan.”
Deputy commissioner Andansura Rabu added, “We must collectively support the destruction of anything that can harm society,” during a PAS assembly in Malaysia on 15 September. This is a social issue, not a religious one.
A Half-century of Operations Are at Jeopardy.
1971 marked the inaugural year of the expansive casino resort situated on a mountaintop in Genting Highlands. The centerpiece property of the multibillion-dollar Genting Group is Resorts World Genting. It currently operates casinos in Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Five hotels, an amusement park, a golf course, and other attractions are located on the property, including the world’s largest hotel, which has 7,500 rooms. A total of over 3,000 slots and over 400 game tables are available on the gaming floor.
There was a 23% increase in collective revenues for the 2023 fiscal year, totaling RM6.4bn (£1.044bn/€1.3bn/$1.16bn). Additionally, EBITDA increased by 26% to RM2.1 billion. Maybank predicted in January that the Malaysian resort would attract 24 million visitors this year and increase earnings by 60%.
PAS leaders appear to disregard the significance of those contributions to the tax base and tourism. Nevertheless, Andansura acknowledged that a victory at the polls may not be sufficient to halt the casino. He informed Fortune Asia that any closure “must be in accordance with the laws and constitution.”
“The power in Genting Highlands may not be entirely ours.” We may not be able to close it down, as it may necessitate a federal government decision.
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