Will Genting Highlands Casino Face Closure if PAS Wins?

Genting Malaysia

With the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) emerging as a significant force in the country’s recent elections. One of the key campaign promises made by PAS is to shut down all gambling premises, including the iconic Genting Highlands casino, if the party secures control of the Pahang state government.

PAS, the Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party), has long been a dominant player in Malaysian politics, advocating for a more conservative and Islamic-centric approach to governance. In the aftermath of the 2022 general election, PAS emerged as the single largest party in the Malaysian parliament, solidifying its position as a political force to be reckoned with.

One of the party’s core tenets is its staunch opposition to gambling, which it views as a social ill that must be eradicated. Andansura Rabu, the PAS deputy commissioner for Pahang, has been vocal about the party’s intention to shut down all gambling premises in the state, including the Genting Highlands casino, if they win the next state election.

The Genting Highlands casino, located in the Pahang state, is a renowned destination that attracts visitors from across Southeast Asia and beyond. As the largest casino in the region, it has been a significant contributor to the Malaysian economy, generating an estimated RM5 billion (approximately $1.5 billion) in annual revenue for the government before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The resort’s sheer size and prominence have made it a prime target for PAS’s anti-gambling crusade. Andansura Rabu has stated that “anything that can be harmful to our society needs to be eradicated together, including gambling,” emphasizing the party’s unwavering stance on the issue.

The potential closure of the Genting Highlands casino is not a straightforward matter, as it involves navigating the complex legal landscape in Malaysia. While PAS may win the Pahang state election and form the government, the power to shut down the casino may not entirely be in their hands.

According to Andansura Rabu, the issue would need to be referred to and handled in accordance with the laws and constitution. He acknowledged that the federal government controls casino and gaming permits in Malaysia and strictly regulates the gaming sector. This means that even if PAS achieves victory in Pahang, they may face challenges in directly shutting down the Genting Highlands casino, as the decision could ultimately require a federal-level intervention.

The potential closure of the Genting Highlands casino would have significant economic implications for the state of Pahang. As the resort’s largest employer and a significant contributor to the local economy, its shutdown would undoubtedly create ripple effects across various industries, from tourism to hospitality.

The Genting Group, the conglomerate that owns and operates the Genting Highlands resort, has invested heavily in the region over the years, transforming it into a premier destination for both local and international visitors. The loss of this revenue stream could be a major blow to Pahang’s economic growth and development.

The PAS-led efforts to shut down the Genting Highlands casino extend beyond the confines of Pahang. If successful, it could set a precedent for the party’s influence on the broader gaming industry in Malaysia.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has already indicated that there will not be a second casino in the country, signalling a shift towards a more conservative approach to gambling. The growing influence of PAS, combined with the federal government’s stance, could potentially lead to a tightening of regulations and further restrictions on the gaming sector across Malaysia.

PAS’s campaign to eradicate gambling in Pahang is not solely driven by political calculations; it is also rooted in the party’s interpretation of religious teachings. Andansura Rabu has emphasized that “all religions do not allow gambling,” suggesting that the issue transcends mere social concerns and is deeply tied to the party’s religious convictions.

The public’s perception of gambling and its alignment with PAS’s stance will play a crucial role in the party’s ability to garner support for its anti-gambling agenda. If the people of Pahang share PAS’s views on the moral and social implications of gambling, the party may find it easier to rally support for its proposed actions.

While PAS’s determination to shut down the Genting Highlands casino is clear, the party may face significant legal and political challenges in executing this plan. The Genting Group, as the operator of the resort, may mount a robust legal defense to protect its interests and the significant investments it has made in the region.

Furthermore, the potential closure of the casino could trigger a backlash from both local and international stakeholders who rely on the resort’s economic and tourism benefits. The federal government’s involvement in the regulation of the gaming industry may also pose obstacles for PAS’s state-level ambitions.

The Genting Highlands casino is not just a local attraction; it is a significant draw for international tourists, contributing to Malaysia’s overall tourism industry. The potential closure of this iconic destination could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination.

The loss of the Genting Highlands casino could lead to a decline in visitor numbers, and this in turn, could impact the broader tourism ecosystem, including hotels, restaurants, and other ancillary businesses that rely on the influx of visitors to the region.

As the political battle over the Genting Highlands casino unfolds, there may be a need for compromise and open dialogue between the various stakeholders involved. PAS’s religious and moral concerns must be balanced against the economic realities and the potential impact on the local and national economy.

The fate of the Genting Highlands casino remains uncertain as the 2024 state election in Pahang approaches. PAS’s unwavering stance on gambling, combined with its growing political clout, has raised significant concerns among casino industry stakeholders.

While the party’s ability to directly shut down the casino may be constrained by legal and constitutional limitations, its influence could still have far-reaching consequences for the gaming industry in Malaysia. The outcome of the Pahang election and the subsequent actions taken by PAS will undoubtedly shape the future of the Genting Highlands resort and the broader landscape of the country’s gambling sector.