Tourism DG exodus due to performance, not ministerial conflict - Source

SHAH ALAM - A source has clarified claims that the recent termination of Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) director-general Datuk Dr Ammar Abd Ghapar was due to personal reasons.

Speaking to Sinar Daily, the source, who worked closely with the Tourism Ministry said the decision was based on performance evaluations and not on personal disagreements between Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and Ammar.

"Ammar was informed from the outset that all personnel under the ministry are subject to performance-based assessments.

"When performance falls short of expectations, necessary actions must be taken," the source said.

The source stressed the minister's responsibility for the ministry's overall performance and argued against any allegations suggesting otherwise.

Earlier media reports had suggested Ammar's termination was effective Feb 26, 2024, and attributed it to disagreements with the minister.

A purported termination letter circulating online cited a refusal to comply with instructions deemed contradictory to regulations as the reason for the dismissal.

Tiong's name has previously been associated with several controversial issues, including the issue of a commotion at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

In the incident, Tiong allegedly broke into the international arrivals hall to free a Chinese visitor detained by the immigration.

However, Tiong later admitted to being involved in the incident and even described his actions in exposing the 'incident' as shameful.

He alleged the existence of a corruption culture among a few officials and chronic abuse of power at the country's entrance.