TEMERLOH: Pahang Pas has pledged to shut down gambling premises, including the casino in Genting Highlands, if the party succeeds in capturing Pahang in the 16th General Election (GE16).
However, the state chapter's deputy commissioner Andansura Rabu said that implementing such actions would first need to be reviewed under existing laws and the jurisdiction of the state government.
"In this regard, we need to consider legal provisions. If we have the power at the state level and are able to do it, we will. For example, the casino in Genting Highlands might not be entirely under our jurisdiction; it may require federal involvement, so it might not be feasible for us to address it solely at the state level
"But within any scope that falls under our jurisdiction, we will take action on matters that are detrimental to the people, based on the law," he said.
He made this statement during a press conference in conjunction with the 70th Pas Annual Muktamar at the Al-Makmur Complex, Kerdau, here today.
Andansura, who is also Beserah state assemblyman, was responding to a question about whether Pas plans to follow the steps taken by Pas-led governments in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah in shutting down gambling premises.
Pahang Pas commissioner Rosli Abdul Jabar said that the move to close gambling premises aligned with the theme of this year's Pas Assembly, "Islam as the Solution".
He believes that the theme presented at this conference covers all aspects, whether social, economic, or governance.
Commenting further, Rosli said that the party recognised that state and federal powers were not the same, and there are sometimes overlaps in authority.
Regarding the closure of the casino in Genting Highlands, he said that it needed to be viewed from a legal perspective and the capabilities of the state government, should Pas succeed in taking control of Pahang.
"However, within the Islamic concept, we will do what can be done at the state level. On the issue of gambling, the state's power may only extend to premises.
"We can close down a premise, but when it comes to a casino like in Genting Highlands, we need to examine the law to determine whether the state government has the capability to close it. If we are able to, God willing, we will close it," he added.