KUALA LUMPUR: With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY 2026) just two years away, an Opposition MP has taken the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to task over a perceived lack of direction.
Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (PN-Masjid Tanah) also claimed she had yet to see any preparations for VMY 2026.
“What is the tagline to be used to attract foreign tourists?
“What is the number of foreign tourists we plan to attract?
“How much revenue will we collect, and are there even official songs, logos or mascots?” she said when debating the motion of thanks on the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (March 4).
ALSO READ: ‘Craft proper tourism strategies for VMY 2026’ (https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/01/craft-proper-tourism-strategies-for-vmy-2026)
Mas Ermieyati also questioned whether the VMY 2026 secretariat had been formed, adding that it had to involve the Public Services Department and the Finance Ministry to carry out its tasks in a consolidated manner.
“It has to involve a dedicated team, not just taking bits and pieces from everywhere.
“The team must place its full focus on VMY 2026,” she added.
ALSO READ: ‘We are all ambassadors’ (https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/11/02/we-are-all-ambassadors)
Mas Ermieyati also took a swipe at Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, alleging the latter stirred controversy.
“We want to see the vision of the minister spearheading the ministry, especially for VMY 2026.
“Instead, we are served with controversies like the demotion of the Tourism Malaysia director-general and listing bak kut teh as a national heritage food,” she said.
