Tourism Malaysia DG's contract terminated early by Tiong

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) director-general Datuk Dr Ammar Abd Ghapar has been terminated from his services effective next Monday (Feb 26).

The Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, signed the termination letter dated Feb 22.

According to the letter, the termination of Ammar's services was under Subsection 10 (1) of the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board Act 1992 (Act 481), read together with Section 47 of the Interpretation Act 1948 and 1967 (Act 388).

It is understood that Tiong terminated Ammar due to his dissatisfaction with Ammar's refusal to follow instructions.

According to sources, Ammar's removal from Tourism Malaysia was attributed to his poor performance and repeated failure to comply with the minister's instructions.

The source said that Tiong had given Ammar a year to improve, but complaints persisted.

In response, Ammar mentioned that he had repeatedly requested a meeting with the minister but was denied.

Ammar expressed disappointment at not receiving a response when inquiring about his performance.

"If I am not performing, why does the number of tourists increase? Only the minister knows the reason he signed the letter.

“It does not say if I’ll be transferred to where, holding what post, and what grade. I also had no intentions of going against any directive or instructions.

“I feel sad, after serving for 36 years, with my experiences, I should not be treated this way,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Tourism Federation (MTF) is concerned by the sudden and unexplained termination and calls for clarification and transparency.

In the statement, MTF secretary-general Dr Sri Ganesh Michel said that this abrupt decision regarding a highly experienced industry professional with a notable 36-year career was prompting significant inquiries within the top tourism organisation responsible for promoting tourism in Malaysia.

“We ask the minister and the Prime Minister to offer a detailed explanation for the termination. Let's work together to promote transparency and resolve any concerns among public and private stakeholders,” he said.