Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stern warning to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and his ministry, directing them to ensure that the recent blunder of serving alcohol at an official government event never happens again.
Anwar said the ministry’s explanation — that alcoholic beverages were only served after the official ceremony ended — was unacceptable, as government policy clearly prohibits serving alcohol at any government event under any circumstances.
“MOTAC’s explanation was that it happened after the official program ended, but it was still within the same venue and event. We have issued a strict reminder to the minister and the ministry not to repeat this mistake, regardless of their explanation. It is completely inappropriate,” he told BERNAMA and RTM at the Kompleks Bunga Raya, after sending off Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who had completed his official visit to Malaysia.
Earlier, photos circulated online showing what was alleged to be the Global Travel Meet 2025 Gala Dinner under Tourism Malaysia, where alcoholic drinks were served. In response, Tiong King Sing clarified that it was the private sector and industry players who were enthusiastic about hosting the inaugural global event — sponsoring and entertaining their international counterparts during the dinner.
He added that the two-and-a-half-day event, driven by private sector initiatives, generated an estimated RM420 million in economic impact.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he would bring the matter to the Cabinet meeting, reiterating UMNO’s strong objection to the incident.
“I will personally raise it in the Cabinet meeting to express UMNO’s disapproval. As party president, we reject it 100 percent,” said Zahid, who also serves as Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman.
He stressed that such actions were inappropriate and contrary to Malaysia’s identity as an Islamic nation, emphasizing that all official government events must respect the sensitivities of race and religion, particularly those of the Muslim community and Islam as the religion of the Federation.
