Former MP appointed chairman of Tourism Malaysia

Wee Choo Keong is eager to develop the country’s tourism potential and says every Malaysian must play their part in treating tourists well.

KUALA LUMPUR: Minister of Tourism and Culture, Nazri Aziz has appointed former MP Wee Choo Keong as the new chairman of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia).

The appointment which takes effect today, will see Wee, a barrister-at-law from the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn in London, working closely with the ministry and other related authorities including the media and the tourism trade industry to further develop Malaysia’s tourism potential.

“Malaysia is blessed with many natural tourism assets and a peaceful, multi-cultural society,” Wee said when asked about his perspective of the country’s tourism and added that the true value of tourism promotion lay not only with Tourism Malaysia and advertisements, but with the people themselves.

“The true value of tourism promotion is in the people of Malaysia themselves – their warm hospitality, politeness and values. These are the values that will bring tourists to our shores and back again.”

Wee, the former MP for Bukit Bintang, the heart of commerce and tourism in Kuala Lumpur, explained that his travels abroad had given him a keen understanding of the importance of tourism as an industry especially to a developing nation like Malaysia.

“The moment a tourist steps foot in Malaysia, they will be spending their tourist dollars for transportation, accommodation, even for a bottle of mineral water. The money they spend is income for our nation.

“It’s even more valuable when the tourist dollar goes straight to the locals and their community. So we must treat our tourists well – they are our customers.”

He also recalled his childhood in Kelantan, remarking that “gracious hospitality and a true community spirit” were prevalent there despite the various cultures and races present.

“Our differences became a unique attraction and we were respectful of one another.

“I hope that we can extend this welcoming spirit to tourists to our country. Every Malaysian needs to internalise the spirit of tourism in themselves.”

Wee also thanked Nazri for appointing him chairman of Tourism Malaysia for the next two years and pledged to protect the country’s “national interests” at all costs.