Anwar gives Tiong ‘stern warning’ over alcohol debacle

This follows the controversy sparked by alcohol being served at a gala dinner in conjunction with Tourism Malaysia’s Global Travel Meet.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also issued a warning to Tiong King Sing’s tourism, arts and culture ministry.

PETALING JAYA:

 Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has given tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing a “stern warning” following the controversy sparked by the serving of alcohol at a dinner in conjunction with Tourism Malaysia’s Global Travel Meet.

According to Bernama, Anwar also issued the warning to Tiong’s ministry.

The prime minister also warned the Cabinet and Putrajaya’s machinery against negligence when it comes to the prohibition of serving alcohol at government events.

Bersatu MP Mas Ermieyati Samsudin posted a video on Facebook last Saturday, asking why alcoholic beverages had been served at a government event. She said this breached cultural and constitutional norms.

Tiong however denied that alcohol had been served at a government-hosted gala dinner, saying it was organised by private sector partners to celebrate Malaysia’s first global travel event of its kind.

While Tourism Malaysia was initially the organiser, he said private sector players saw an opportunity to secure substantial business deals and took over the organisation of the dinner.

Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he would raise Umno’s objection to the serving of alcohol at the upcoming Cabinet meeting. - FMT