KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has expressed deep regret over confusion about alcohol served at the Global Travel Meet gala dinner.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said the confusion stemmed from his failure to announce the event was privately organised by tourism players.
“The only mistake was not announcing during the dinner that it was no longer an official event,” he said on Thursday (Oct 9).
He said a Tourism Malaysia logo on the backdrop was later posted on Facebook and TikTok.
“I stress the event was not an official function but a private function. As such, compliance with Service Circular 3/2003 does not arise and the alcohol issue should not have been raised,” he added.
He was replying to Wan Hassan Mohd Ramli (PN–Dungun) in the Dewan Rakyat, and Tiong said in his reply that the ministry is aware of the circular and sensitivities regarding alcohol at official events.
“The ministry has organised many events over the last two or three years. No alcohol was served because we are aware,”said Tiong, citing the Visit Malaysia Year launch in Melaka.
Wan Hassan also raised the Tourism Malaysia invitation letter and sought an apology from Tiong.
Tiong outlined the timeline leading to the dinner on Oct 1.
He said organisers approached the ministry in late July and early August to discuss support and added that it was their first time hosting such an event and they lacked confidence in ensuring success.
Tiong then said that the ministry agreed to participate in the exhibition while negotiations continued and added that the ministry agreed to lead, with organisers later saying they would take over the event.
He said invitation letters were issued on September 24 for a dinner expected to secure RM50mil to RM60mil in tour package deals.
“On October 1, the organisers had secured over RM100mil and said they would take over the event,” he said.
Tiong said he should have announced during the dinner that it was privately organised.
“I and the ministry take full responsibility and express deep regret over any confusion or inconvenience caused,” he said.
He said the ministry appreciated advice from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim over the incident.
He said there was no intention to insult Muslims and the issue should not be politicised.
To Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodie (GPS–Sri Aman), Tiong said the event secured RM420mil in deals.
He said RM80mil were Muslim tour packages to Malaysia.
On Tuesday (Oct 7), Anwar said alcohol must never be served at government events.
He said the ministry’s explanation that alcohol was served only after the official programme ended was unacceptable.
He said the government holds a firm policy against alcohol at official functions without exception.
