Malaysia’s PAS vows to shut Genting casino if party wins key Pahang state

KUALA LUMPUR – An Islamic party said it was prepared to shut down Malaysia’s only casino if it won control of the state in which the gambling operator is located, as the group looks to build its influence in the South-east Asian nation. 

A senior official from Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) said if voters in central Pahang state – home to Genting’s casino – want gambling to end, they should choose the Islamic party. The party is tapping into concerns of the country’s Muslim majority over gambling, which is forbidden in the Quran.

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,” said Mr Andansura Rabu, PAS’ deputy commissioner for Pahang, at the party’s annual gathering. “But it must be in accordance with the laws and Constitution.

“In Genting Highlands, the power might not be entirely ours. It could require a federal government decision, so we might not be able to shut it down.”

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 in 2024 ruled out the possibility of opening a second casino resort.

Genting’s casino contributed as much as RM5 billion (S$1.5 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 Datuk Seri Anwar formed a unity government made up of his PKR, the Chinese-dominant DAP and regional groups from Sabah and Sarawak. 

Still, the growing influence of the Islamic party in national politics has pushed the Prime Minister to turn more conservative to burnish his own credentials with voters. In 2023 his government cancelled a concert after two members of British band The 1975 shared a same-sex kiss on stage, and banned Swatch watches that showcased Pride colours.

At the annual party gathering held this weekend in Pahang, PAS has ruled out working with Mr Anwar’s coalition and pledged to champion Islamic issues. Banning alcohol and gambling in Malaysia would be key, the party has said. 

“Anything that can harm society, we must together support its destruction,” Mr Andasura said of gambling. “This isn’t a matter of religion, it’s a social issue.” BLOOMBERG