PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim defended His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, against claims that he wanted a casino built to save Forest City in Johor, calling the allegation malicious.

Hitting out at those who accused him of approving a casino licence for Forest City, Johor, he stressed that he had never heard of any proposal to build a casino in Johor.

“His Majesty has never mentioned any interest in allowing gambling there. So where did this (rumour) come from? From villains. They should take over my room at Sungai Buloh (Prison),” he said.

Speaking at the national-level Labour Day celebration, Anwar said he could accept criticism against him, but that those who criticised royals should be ready to face the music.

“Such actions could lead to legal consequences including prosecution and imprisonment. The monarchy cannot be criticised in the same way politicians are.

“If you condemn, what more slander the royals, the answer is prosecution, punishment and imprisonment,” he said.

Anwar had recently shot down reports that Putrajaya was considering a second casino in Forest City, Johor, to revive the stalled project.

Sources familiar with the matter had earlier told Bloomberg that Anwar, also the finance minister had met Berjaya Corporation founder  Vincent Tan and Genting Group’s Lim Kok Thay to discuss the deal.

They said Sultan Ibrahim was also represented at the meeting. - May 1, 2024