Singapore PM rebuffs Las Vegas gambling magnate over casino project comments
SINGAPORE (AP) - Singapore's prime minister is dismissing complaints by Las Vegas gambling magnate Steve Wynn that Singapore is micro-managing a new casino project, saying that the government wants to ensure it can be proud of the resort once it's finished, a newspaper reported Thursday.
"If after you have built it, you have got flashing lights and dancing girls on the facade, and next door to that you have banks and the banking and the financial center, I'm not sure we will feel happy about it,'' the local Straits Times newspaper quoted Lee Hsien Loong as saying.
"He has made some criticisms. I don't think they are entirely fair,'' Lee said.
"We want something which will stand the test of time.''
Wynn said last week the government was issuing "thunderbolts of wisdom from the top of Mount Olympus'' for the bids, saying there was too much direction and control.
Wynn's projects include the Bellagio, Wynn Las Vegas and The Mirage in Nevada and is among the 14 projects and consortiums invited to submit bids for Singapore's two casino projects.
The government listed specific design-related criteria for the project, including the total amount of floor space the gambling arena should have and specifying that there be no glaring neon signboards.
Other gambling giants that have expressed interest include Las Vegas casino operators Harrah's Entertainment and Las Vegas Sands, Malaysia's Genting Bhd. and Macau casino king Stanley Ho. - AP
