'Liar, liar pants on fire': Khairy taunts tourism minister over booze at government event

Khairy Jamaluddin has launched a scathing attack on Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing, calling him out for denying that the government was involved in organising a gala dinner where alcohol was served to guests.

The former health minister shared screenshots of a notice showing that Tourism Malaysia, the agency under Tiong's ministry, was the organiser of the gala dinner, which has since attracted criticism from opposition politicians.

"Liar, liar pants on fire," wrote Khairy on his Instagram Story, alongside another post accompanied by Malay poetry mocking politicians who lie.

Tiong, who was previously embroiled in similar controversies linked to alcohol consumption, came under attack from Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati Samsudin following video clips showing alcoholic drinks being served at the gala dinner, causing Muslim guests to leave early.

Mas Ermieyati said she had no issue with Tiong's alcohol consumption, but added that serving beer at an official function goes against not only Muslim sensitivities but also the status of Islam in the constitution.

In response, Tiong claimed that the event, Global Travel Meet, was separate from the dinner.

He said that while Tourism Malaysia was responsible for organising Global Travel Meet, the dinner was "an initiative by industry players and the private sector".

"They were enthusiastic because, for the first time, we took the initiative to host such a global event.

"Out of that spirit, they decided to sponsor and entertain their international partners at the dinner," Tiong, GPS's Bintulu MP, said in a statement.

However, according to a notice of the event shared by Khairy, the gala dinner was organised by Tourism Malaysia.

In 2023, Tiong fought back against criticisms after he was seen drinking alcohol and dancing in public.

"What’s wrong with that? Don’t make a big deal out of it," he had said.