Political analyst Azmi Hassan told CNA that both the King and prime minister are likely to reject any casino proposals because of how betting is an illegitimate activity in Islam and due to political sentiments today.
“Opening casinos is a very sensitive issue, and the Johor sultan has stressed that no way one will be established in Johor, and this includes Forest City. It involves gambling, and riba (exploitative gains) which is a no-no among Muslims,” said Dr Azmi.
“If ever a casino is approved to be built, the government would also face brickbats from the Malay community – not only among the Muslims in northern states like Kedah and Perlis but also more urbanised areas like in Selangor and Johor,” added the senior fellow from the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research.
In a statement issued on Facebook, Johor chief minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi stressed that the Johor royal family has been consistent in its stance against casinos being operational in the state.
“History shows that during the reign of Sultan Sir Ibrahim (Johor’s ruler between 1895-1959), three casinos were shut,” said Mr Onn Hafiz.
He added that the current King Sultan Ibrahim has “stated that His Majesty will not allow the opening of any casinos in the state of Johor”.
IGamiX analyst Mr Lee told CNA that what stands out is the “vehemence” in how Malaysia’s prime minister and the two companies denied that talks took place.
“It’s interesting that a simple denial wasn’t enough that the PM has urged the two private companies (to make police reports) and go after the individuals or news organisations for the report,” said Mr Lee.
“You would have thought that they would have just rubbished the news, denied it and moved on. So the vehemence of the denial is news in itself,” he added.
Analyst James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania, told CNA that the denial from Mr Anwar specifically has been vehement because of the precarious position of the unity government in trying to garner support from the Malay Muslims.
“The reason why this is highly sensitive is because Anwar is trying to court the right wing Islamic vote so obviously he cannot be seen to be supporting the casino,” said Prof Chin.
The purported proposal at Forest City is for Malaysia’s second casino licence after the application to open one in Resort World Genting was approved in 1969.