As Malaysia prepares for its 16th General Election, the Malaysian Islamic Party (known as Parti Islam Se-Malaysia or PAS in Bahasa Malaysia) has announced its intention to take a drastic stance against gambling in the country. In a controversial statement, PAS vowed to shut down all forms of gambling, including the famous Genting Malaysia resort and casino, if it succeeds in taking control of the state of Pahang.

PAS Vows to Shut Down Genting Malaysia’s Casino if It Wins Pahang in Malaysia’s 16th General Election

The Genting Malaysia resort, which is the country’s largest casino, is located in the state of Pahang. The current leadership in the state is a Barisan Nasional-Pakatan Harapan Unity Government, and PAS is challenging this leadership with an agenda focused on Islamic values, which includes eliminating gambling.

PAS’s Stand on Gambling: A Core Campaign Promise

During the 70th Muktamar (PAS’s annual assembly), the party reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating gambling in Malaysia. This vow is not new, as PAS has historically opposed all forms of gambling, deeming them un-Islamic and harmful to society. However, the specific targeting of Genting Malaysia’s casino has caused significant concern both locally and nationally, as the resort plays a key role in Malaysia’s tourism industry and generates substantial revenue.

PAS’s Deputy Commissioner of Pahang, Andansura Rabu, stated during the Muktamar that while the party would push to close Genting’s casino if it wins Pahang, doing so would require federal legislation. “In that regard, we need to look at the law. If we have the power at the state level, if we can do it, we will do it,” he said.

This highlights the complexity of PAS’s proposal, as federal laws currently govern gambling regulations in Malaysia, meaning that PAS would need cooperation from the national government to enact such drastic changes.

Economic Impact: What Does the Closure of Genting Mean for Malaysia?

The proposal to shut down Genting Malaysia’s casino has sparked a national debate about the potential impact on the economy. The Genting Highlands Resort, which includes the casino, is one of the largest tourism hubs in the country, attracting millions of visitors each year. Beyond gambling, the resort offers hotels, theme parks, and shopping centers, all of which employ a significant number of locals.

According to the Democratic Action Party’s (DAP) Pahang Chairman, Lee Chin Chen, the closure of Genting would have severe consequences. Lee voiced strong opposition to PAS’s plan, emphasizing that the resort is a major employer in the state. He stated, “Shutting down Genting resorts would not only affect Malaysia’s national revenue but also the livelihood of all the people working in said resort, including local Muslim staff working at the hotels and amusement parks.”

Revenue Contributions from Genting Malaysia

The financial data underscores the importance of Genting Malaysia to the nation’s economy. In the second quarter of 2024, Genting Malaysia saw an 8% revenue increase, amounting to RM2.67 billion (approximately $0.62 billion). This is a significant contribution to the overall revenue for the year. In the first half (H1) of 2024, Genting reported a total revenue of RM5.43 billion. The company’s Singaporean subsidiary, Genting Singapore, also saw a rise in revenue, with a 29% increase in earnings.

The casino and resort’s success illustrates how critical it is to Malaysia’s tourism and entertainment industry. The closure of such a prominent establishment would likely have a domino effect on various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and tourism, further impacting local businesses that depend on the high traffic generated by Genting’s presence.

Legal and Legislative Challenges in Closing Genting Malaysia

Despite PAS’s strong stance, the reality of shutting down Genting Malaysia’s casino is legally complex. Gambling is regulated at the federal level in Malaysia, meaning that a state government, even one led by PAS, would not have the legal authority to unilaterally close a licensed casino.

As Pahang PAS Deputy Commissioner Andansura Rabu acknowledged, changes to federal legislation would be necessary. This would require cooperation from Parliament, and given that Genting is a significant contributor to national revenue, there would likely be resistance from other political parties, business leaders, and even federal government officials.

Moreover, closing Genting would involve navigating not only legal but also contractual agreements, as Genting Malaysia is a publicly traded company with stakeholders and investors who would have legal grounds to challenge any abrupt moves to shut down its operations.

Political Reactions and Public Opinion

PAS’s plan has received mixed reactions from the public and political figures. Supporters of PAS see the move as a bold step toward enforcing Islamic values in a country where gambling is seen by some as morally corrupting. PAS has always positioned itself as a party deeply committed to Islamic principles, and its base appreciates the strong stance against gambling.

However, critics argue that the move could do more harm than good. Lee Chin Chen of DAP, for instance, stressed that the closure would harm not just the casino’s operations but also the thousands of employees who depend on the resort for their livelihoods. The resort also supports local tourism, and its closure could ripple through the economy, affecting hotels, restaurants, and other businesses in Pahang and beyond.

Concerns About Job Losses

Another major concern is the potential for job losses. Genting Malaysia employs a significant number of workers, including Muslim staff, in various roles such as hotel management, food service, and entertainment operations. These jobs are crucial for the local economy, and shutting down the resort could leave many without employment opportunities.

Furthermore, there are concerns about the social consequences of such a move. Critics argue that the closure could lead to an increase in illegal gambling operations, as demand for gambling may not disappear simply because the casino is closed. Instead, it may push the activity underground, creating more challenges for law enforcement and regulators.

Looking Ahead: What Could Happen if PAS Wins Pahang?

While PAS has made a firm pledge to shut down Genting Malaysia’s casino if it gains control of Pahang, it remains unclear how feasible this plan truly is. The legal and financial challenges are significant, and it would require cooperation from the national government to make such a dramatic change.

Moreover, the economic implications are hard to ignore. Genting Malaysia is a key player in Malaysia’s economy, contributing to both national revenue and the livelihoods of thousands of workers. Shutting it down could lead to job losses, reduced tourism, and a decline in local businesses, all of which would have far-reaching effects on Pahang and the wider Malaysian economy.

The outcome of the 16th General Election will determine whether PAS’s ambitious plan moves forward. However, even with electoral success, the party faces numerous hurdles before it could bring its vision of a gambling-free Pahang to fruition.

FAQs About PAS’s Vow to Shut Down Genting Malaysia’s Casino

1. What is PAS’s stance on gambling?

The Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) has vowed to shut down all forms of gambling, including Genting Malaysia’s casino resort, if it wins control of the state of Pahang in the upcoming 16th General Election.

2. Why is Genting Malaysia’s casino being targeted?

Genting Malaysia’s casino is the largest in the country and is located in Pahang. PAS opposes gambling for religious reasons, viewing it as harmful and contrary to Islamic values. Closing the casino is part of their broader campaign promise to eliminate gambling.

3. Can PAS shut down the casino at the state level?

Not entirely. According to PAS Pahang Deputy Commissioner Andansura Rabu, shutting down Genting would require changes to federal legislation, as gambling is governed by national law. PAS would need cooperation from the national government to proceed.

4. What are the potential economic impacts of closing Genting Malaysia?

Shutting down Genting Malaysia’s casino could have significant economic consequences. The resort is a major contributor to national revenue and provides jobs to thousands of people, including local workers. The closure would likely lead to job losses and could negatively affect tourism and local businesses.

5. What was the revenue of Genting Malaysia in recent reports?

In the second quarter of 2024, Genting Malaysia saw an 8% increase in revenue, amounting to RM2.67 billion (approximately $0.62 billion). For the first half of 2024, the company reported a total revenue of RM5.43 billion.

6. What legal challenges could PAS face if they attempt to close the casino?

Since gambling laws are regulated at the federal level, PAS would need to navigate complex legal frameworks to close Genting. Any move to close the resort could face resistance from other political parties, business leaders, and even stakeholders in Genting Malaysia.

7. How has the public reacted to PAS’s proposal?

Reactions have been mixed. Supporters of PAS see this as a strong move toward enforcing Islamic values, while critics argue that it would harm the economy and lead to job losses for thousands of workers who rely on Genting Malaysia for employment.

8. What would be the impact on tourism if Genting Malaysia shuts down?

The closure of Genting Malaysia’s resort would likely have a negative impact on tourism, as the resort is a major attraction. Reduced tourist traffic would affect not just the resort, but also hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses that depend on visitors.

9. What is the significance of PAS targeting the Pahang state?

Pahang is home to the Genting Highlands Resort, which houses the casino. The state is currently governed by a Barisan Nasional-Pakatan Harapan Unity Government, and PAS aims to capture the state in the 16th General Election, giving them control to enforce their agenda.

10. What will happen if PAS wins control of Pahang in the upcoming election?

If PAS wins control of Pahang, they may push for the closure of Genting Malaysia’s casino, though they would still face legal and legislative hurdles at the federal level. The potential for this move to happen remains uncertain due to the complex legal challenges involved.