A senior official of Malaysia’s most powerful Islamic political party has promised to permanently shut down the casino at Genting Group’s Resorts World Genting should they win power in Pahang state in the next national election.
As reported by Bloomberg, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia’s (PAS) Deputy Commissioner for Pahang, Andansura Rabu, issued the pledge at the party’s annual gathering over the weekend, citing concerns by Malaysia’s Muslim majority and the fact that gambling is forbidden in the Koran.
“Gambling is harmful, so we have to close it,” he is quoted as saying. “But it must be in accordance with the laws and constitution.”
Alcohol is also in the party’s sights, with PAS having already ruled out working in unison with the existing coalition and instead pledging to champion Islamic beliefs and issues.
“Anything that can harm society, we must together support its destruction. This isn’t a matter of religion, it’s a social issue,” Andasura continued.
Parti Islam Se-Malaysia is the nation’s major Islamic party and the most represented of all parties in Malaysia, having won four of the country’s 13 states in the 2022 election. It is now targeting to add Pahang in an election that must be held by early 2028.
Founded in 1965 by businessman Lim Goh Tong – the father of current Genting Bhd Chairman and CEO Lim Kok Thay – Resorts World Genting remains a key piece in the group’s global gaming empire, achieving revenue of MYR1.62 billion (US$376 million) in the June 2024 quarter.
