Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing is making headlines after photos of him holding wine and beer glasses at a dinner event went viral — sparking outrage among Muslim politicians who claimed alcohol was served at an official government function.
But the Bintulu MP isn’t apologising — he’s fighting back.
Tiong insists the dinner wasn’t a government event at all, calling it a private industry gathering that Tourism Malaysia had merely “borrowed” to launch the Visit Malaysia 2026 calendar. “The dinner that YB Mas Ermieyati is making an issue of was actually organised by the private sector,” he said, responding to Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati Samsudin’s accusation that Muslim guests left early because alcohol was served.
The controversy exploded after photos of Tiong and other guests holding alcoholic drinks spread online, prompting condemnation from UMNO Youth chief Dr Mohd Akmal Salleh and PAS Ulama chief Ahmad Yahaya, who said serving alcohol at a so-called “official” function was disrespectful to Muslim sensitivities.
Former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin also jumped in, posting “Liar, liar, pants on fire” on Instagram — along with screenshots he claimed proved Tourism Malaysia had organised the dinner.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi later weighed in, declaring that UMNO “totally rejects” any alcohol being served at government events. “Malaysia is an Islamic country, and such practices have no place in official programmes,” Zahid said, adding he would raise the matter in Cabinet.
Tiong, however, stood firm, stressing that the ministry’s only involvement was with the Global Travel Meet, an event that generated RM420 million in economic impact. The dinner, he said, was entirely funded by the private sector.
“In that spirit, they wanted to host and celebrate their international colleagues,” Tiong explained. “Tourism Malaysia only borrowed the platform to launch the Visit Malaysia 2026 calendar featuring 318 events across all states.”
The minister accused his critics of twisting the narrative for political mileage. “If people like Mas Ermieyati keep issuing baseless statements, it will only create doubt and hurt Malaysia’s international image,” he said.
He added that Tourism Malaysia had no control over the food or drinks served, focusing instead on cultural performances and the VM2026 launch — with plenty of non-alcoholic options provided for Muslim guests.
