DAP Youth slams PM’s response to Tourism Minister’s alcohol-serving controversy

KUCHING, Oct 8: Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Sarawak express disappointment over Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s response in condemning Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing’s action of serving alcohol at a dinner for Tourism Malaysia’s Global Travel Meet.

DAPSY Sarawak secretary George Lam urged the Prime Minister to recognise and support the genuine efforts of Tiong in preparing for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.   “I believe the Prime Minister should have handled the matter in a more moderate and balanced manner, rather than echoing the opposition’s narrative by issuing a ‘stern reminder’ to the Tourism Minister.

“Such a stance has inevitably disappointed many non-Muslim Malaysians and may cause doubts about the Unity Government’s future policy direction.   “Many Malaysians, especially non-Muslims have placed high hopes in the Unity Government’s commitment to moderation. I sincerely hope the Prime Minister will stand firm, resist being swayed by extremist rhetoric from the opposition, and prioritise Malaysia’s overall economic growth and international image,” said Lam in a press statement.

He said it would not be wise, nor consistent with the principles of a moderate and inclusive government, to make unnecessary religiously charged remarks simply to appease a small group of extremists.   Meanwhile, in response to Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders’ criticism against Tiong, Lam said these attacks made through racial and religious extremism are blatant political manoeuvres intended to exploit sensitive sentiments.

To him, PN’s actions clearly aim to manipulate racial and religious issues for short-term political gain. Such tactics threaten Malaysia’s moderate and multicultural harmony, building invisible walls between communities and harming our nation’s long-term development.

“These divisive actions deserve firm condemnation,” said Lam, reminding the public not to focus solely on the fact that alcoholic drinks were served at the dinner since the beverages were exclusively for international guests and non-Muslims.

He said the event itself helped strengthen relationships with delegates from other countries and generated economic benefits of RM420 million for Malaysia’s tourism industry.   For that, he said, the Tourism Minister’s commitment and results should be acknowledged and appreciated, rather than undermined by baseless political spin.

On Satuday (Oct 4), Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati Samsudin posted a video on Facebook questioning the serving of alcoholic beverages at a government event, which she claimed breached cultural and constitutional norms.

In response, Tiong said that the dinner was a private industry initiative, not a government function. In a Facebook post, he explained that Tourism Malaysia was only responsible for organising the Global Travel Meet, and the dinner was organised by private sector partners to celebrate Malaysia’s first global travel event of its kind.

Chiming in, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he would raise UMNO’s objection to the serving of alcohol at a Cabinet meeting.

This had led to Anwar issued a stern warning to Tiong yesterday. —DayakDaily  

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