Tourism M’sia chairman denies causing ruckus at China expo

PETALING JAYA: Tourism Malay­sia chairman Wee Choo Keong has denied causing a commotion at the 4th China (Beijing) International Tourism Expo 2016.

He said the alleged incident was blown out of proportion and expressed regret that some people had tried to portray it as a personal issue related to his stand on AirAsia.

Wee explained that he had requested local staff to clear the two bunting belonging to AirAsia and another company from the entrance and move them to the back.

“I saw two bunting at the entrance, and they were overshadowing the Tourism Malaysia brand.

“I admit that I did ask our local staff to clear the bunting from the entrance.

“My stand is no bunting from private companies should be allowed to overshadow the Tourism Malaysia brand unless they are bunting from the agency or the Government.

“However, I categorically deny that I tore the bunting with my hands as alleged,” he said in a statement yesterday.

It was reported that Wee had allegedly lambasted his staff during the expo after seeing the AirAsia buntings put up alongside other promotional material at the Tourism Malaysia booth.

Wee said he had been consistent in voicing his concern over AirAsia’s business model, claiming that the airline had yet to settle its passenger service charge as well as other debts to Malaysia Airports Holding Bhd (MAHB).

“Tan Sri Tony Fernandes (AirAsia Bhd Group CEO) should ensure AirAsia fully settle all its huge outstanding debts to MAHB so that MAHB can have more funds to provide better facilities and services to the public,” Wee said.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said Wee should explain his alleged outburst during the event last week.

AirAsia CEO Aireen Omar said the airline had consistently paid the passenger service charge to MAHB.

“We deem these latest statements by Wee as intended to further injure the reputation of AirAsia which are now already a subject to a defamation litigation,” she said in a statement.