Tiong Dinner With Alcohol Was Industry Hosted Not By Govt

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Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing has refuted claims by Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati Samsudin that alcoholic beverages were served at a government-hosted function, stating instead it was a privately funded dinner by industry players.
He said the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia), as organiser of the two-and-a-half-day Global Travel Meet, had “borrowed a platform” offered by tourism industry players.
“The dinner raised by YB Mas Ermieyati was actually an initiative of the industry and private sector. They were excited because, for the first time, we took the initiative to host such a global event.
“In that spirit, they wanted to sponsor and celebrate international industry partners through the dinner,” said Tiong.
ADS“If the Masjid Tanah MP does not share the same enthusiasm, that is fine. But do not sabotage these efforts and good initiatives,” he added.
Apart from Mas Ermieyati, others who targeted Tiong based on social media posts of the dinner included Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Salleh and PAS Ulama Wing chief Ahmad Yahaya.
Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati SamsudinSeveral photos from the dinner showed Tiong and other guests with wine and beer glasses in their hands.
Tiong said Tourism Malaysia’s role at the dinner was limited to coordinating cultural performances and launching the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) calendar of events, which listed 318 programmes across all states.
“All food and beverages at the dinner were not under Tourism Malaysia’s responsibility. The organisers provided sufficient non-alcoholic drinks to cater to all guests,” he said.
‘Undermining int’l confidence in M’sia’
Tiong, meanwhile, further urged Mas Ermieyati not to “misuse the Federal Constitution to mislead the public”, adding that unofficial events such as the dinner had no constitutional implications.
“Making statements without understanding the facts is not only misleading but also reflects ignorance.
“If people like Mas Ermieyati continue to make baseless and slanderous statements like this just to popularise themselves, it will only raise doubts and undermine international confidence in Malaysia - and ultimately, it will benefit no one,” he said.
He also called on Mas Ermieyati to focus on issues that drive national progress.
“The tourism sector can be a catalyst for job creation and foreign exchange generation.
“Through VM2026, we can elevate the nation’s image to a higher level.
“More importantly, you too have the responsibility to promote tourism in your own state and constituency,” he said. - Mkini

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