KUALA LUMPUR – A casino in Johor can be a pragmatic means of raising funds for charitable causes, said Mohamed Tawfik Ismail, the son of Malaysia’s second deputy prime minister.
He cited the work of the Noah Foundation that had benefited many by using profits from Genting, which owns and operates the casino in Genting Highlands, Pahang.
“May I gently remind the menteri besar of Johor of the greater good intention undertaken by the Noah Foundation to uplift family values and community development by channelling gains from the Genting investment into higher goals for a noble purpose?
“Let Johoreans enjoy what Pahang and Selangor have reaped.
“Let’s not forget pragmatism for the good of the many is no less Islamic,” Tawfik said in a statement.
His reference to Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi follows the latter’s speech in the state assembly three days ago denying rumours of a casino opening in Forest City.
Onn Hafiz also said such rumours were malicious and aimed at thwarting the government’s plans for a special financial zone in Johor.
The Noah Foundation, meanwhile, is named after the late politician Tan Sri Mohamed Noah Omar, who is said to be among the founders of Genting Highlands. The foundation runs a mosque in the highlands, the only place of worship for Muslims there.
Tawfik added that he as a Muslim did not feel threatened by a casino operating here.
“As ‘anak Jati’ Johor, my faith is not diminished or affected if a casino is set up. On the contrary, I will survive the test like my Muslim brethren in Selangor and Pahang have; stronger and more determined in channelling the wealth for the good of the ummah and the wider community,” he said.
Reports of high-level talks on plans for a casino in Forest City were published on April 25 by Bloomberg and Singapore’s Business Times.
Quoting unnamed sources, the reports said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had met the chiefs of Berjaya and Genting to discuss the idea, which was said to be at a very preliminary stage.
Anwar has said the government will not give any approval for a casino in Forest City and reiterated this at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha two days ago.
Berjaya Corporation Bhd denied the talks took place and lodged a police report to urge an investigation into the source of such information.
Police have so far recorded the statement of one journalist from Bloomberg over its report.
Genting Malaysia Bhd also issued a statement to deny any involvement in such discussions. – May 16, 2024