However, the state chapter’s deputy commissioner Andansura Rabu said any decision would need to comply with the relevant legal framework and is limited to the state government’s authority on the matter.
“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 told a press conference at PAS’s 70th muktamar today.
“For example, the casino at Genting Highlands may not fall entirely under the state’s jurisdiction and could require federal intervention. So, that might limit our ability to do anything.”
Andansura, who is also Beserah assemblyman, was asked whether Pahang PAS would follow the example of the Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis state governments in closing four-digit numbers gaming premises.
Kedah effectively banned all licensed gambling activities since 2023. It forced all gaming outlets in the state to close by not renewing the operators’ business licences.
Perlis did likewise from March this year after it stopped issuing business licences for its gaming outlets.
Kelantan and Terengganu, meanwhile, had imposed a ban on all forms of gambling in 1990 and 2020, respectively.
Pahang is currently led by a Barisan Nasional-Pakatan Harapan unity government. It was formed after no coalition had the majority needed to form the state government following the outcome of the last general election (GE15) in November 2022.
BN secured 17 seats and PH won eight seats, while Perikatan Nasional also won 17 seats.
Andansura stressed that PAS intends to remove all actions that are detrimental to society and that it would be handled according to the law.
“This includes gambling. Our measures against it are not only for (the benefit of) Muslims but for all, as Buddhists and Hindus also oppose gambling,” he said.
“Therefore, religious considerations are not a factor in this issue.”
Meanwhile, Pahang PAS commissioner Rosli Abdul Jabbar reiterated his deputy’s comments, saying that closing the casino at Genting Highlands might pose a legal challenge due to its licence falling under federal jurisdiction.
“For casinos, we need to consider all legal aspects. If we have the capability to close it, we will,” he said.