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Islamic Party Vows to Ban Casinos in Malaysia

Malaysia’s leading Islamic political party, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), has made a bold promise to ban casino gambling if they secure victory in the upcoming elections in Pahang state. This is the same state which houses Malaysia’s popular Genting Highlands casino and resort.

This pledge was made by Andansura Rabu, PAS’s Deputy Commissioner for Pahang, during the party’s annual gathering. He emphasized that the decision is driven by the concerns of Malaysia’s Muslim majority and the prohibition of gambling in the Koran.

Andansura Rabu stated, “Gambling is harmful, so we have to close it. But it must be in accordance with the laws and constitution.” This statement underscores the party’s commitment to aligning their actions with legal and constitutional frameworks while addressing societal issues.

Casinos to banned in Malaysia?

In addition to targeting gambling, PAS has also set its sights on alcohol. The party has ruled out collaborating with the existing coalition, instead choosing to champion Islamic beliefs and issues. Andansura further explained, “Anything that can harm society, we must together support its destruction. This isn’t a matter of religion; it’s a social issue.”

PAS is a significant force in Malaysian politics, having won four of the country’s 13 states in the 2022 election. The party is now aiming to add Pahang to its list of victories in an election that will be held by early 2028.

Resorts World Genting, founded in 1965 by businessman Lim Goh Tong, is a major player in the global gaming industry. The resort, which is a key asset of the Genting Group, achieved revenue of MYR1.62 billion ($376 million) in the June 2024 quarter. Despite its economic contributions, the casino’s future is uncertain if PAS gains control of Pahang.

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The potential ban on casino gambling by PAS reflects a broader trend of increasing influence of Islamic values in Malaysian politics. The party’s stance on gambling and alcohol highlights its commitment to addressing issues that it believes are detrimental to society. This move could have significant implications for the gaming industry in Malaysia, particularly for Resorts World Genting, which has been a cornerstone of the Genting Group’s operations.

As the election approaches, the promise to ban casino gambling will likely be a key issue for voters in Pahang. The outcome of the election could determine the future of Resorts World Genting and set a precedent for other states in Malaysia. PAS’s commitment to its principles and its ability to address the concerns of its constituents will be crucial in its bid to win Pahang and implement its policies.

Malaysia has slowly been becoming a popular destination for Asian poker as well, with the recent Poker Dream 11 series being held in Genting Highlands in August 2024. In fact, popular Indian player Nishant Sharma ended up winning the Main Event for a life-changing sum of prize money. The cloud around the future of casinos in Malaysia may end up affecting the growing poker ecosystem in Asia, and also heavily affect Malaysia tourism.

For more updates on this situation, stay tuned to GutshotMagazine.com.

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