'Unacceptable!’ Umno, Pas outraged over alcohol at Tourism Malaysia event

SHAH ALAM - The serving of alcoholic beverages at an official Tourism Malaysia event has drawn widespread criticism from Umno and Pas leaders, who denounced it as inappropriate and contrary to Malaysia’s status as an Islamic nation.

Umno expressed strong disapproval over the matter, describing it as an act that violates the principles of an Islamic country.

Party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that while Malaysia respects its multiracial and multireligious fabric, organisers of government events must remain sensitive to Muslim values, as Islam is the religion of the Federation.

“Of course, we must reject and disagree with such a programme. Malaysia is an Islamic country, even though we respect other religions, cultures and practices. But this is a government event,” he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister added that the issue would be brought up in the Cabinet meeting to present Umno's official stance, stressing that such a situation had never occurred in an official government function before and must not be repeated.

Meanwhile, Umno Youth Chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh demanded an explanation from Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, warning that failure to respond should prompt Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to consider removing him.

“We are asking the Tourism Minister to respond, since when has it been permissible for an official government event to serve alcohol?

“If the minister is afraid to answer, then the ministry’s Secretary-General or the Tourism Director-General must explain who approved it.

“If the Tourism Minister cannot answer, we urge the government, especially PMX, to dismiss the minister,” he wrote on Facebook.

In response, Tiong clarified that Tourism Malaysia had only organised the Global Travel Meet, a two-and-a-half-day event that reportedly generated RM420 million in economic impact.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. Photo: BERNAMA

Earlier, Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati Samsudin alleged that alcoholic drinks were served during a dinner hosted by the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board, prompting Muslim guests to leave early.

Former minister Khairy Jamaluddin, however, dismissed Tiong’s explanation, posting on Instagram: “Liar, liar, pants on fire.”

Pas joins call for action

Pas also urged Prime Minister Anwar to take firm action, with its Information Chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari calling for Tiong’s dismissal, arguing that this was not the first time the minister had failed to safeguard Muslim sensitivities.

He rejected the claim that the event was a private-sector initiative, calling it illogical.

“When an event is listed on the official Tourism Malaysia website and scheduled as part of an official programme, the government bears full responsibility for its content,” he said.

Fadhli added that serving alcohol at a government event contravened the Treasury Circular on Regulations Regarding Official Entertainment, which prohibits alcohol and violated Article 3 of the Federal Constitution, which recognises Islam as the religion of the Federation.

“How can a government event serve drinks that are clearly forbidden in Islam? This incident is not only shameful but deeply hurtful to Muslims nationwide,” he said.

He also referenced the Federal Territories Mufti’s Irsyad Hukum Series 224, which states that Muslims are prohibited from attending events where alcohol is served.

In Alor Setar, Pas Central Ulama Council (DUPP) Chief Datuk Ahmad Yahaya also criticised the incident, warning that serving alcohol at an official function could misrepresent Malaysia’s identity as a nation founded on Islamic and Eastern values.

“This should not happen at any government event, as it contradicts cultural norms and the sensitivities of Malaysia’s multireligious society.

“It is certainly not something that should be promoted as part of Malaysian culture,” he said.