The serving of alcohol at a recent gala dinner has ignited controversy, with former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad suggesting the act may have been deliberate, violating long-standing government policy and offending Muslim sensitivities.
Speaking on Sinar Daily‘s Top News Podcast on Thursday, Mahathir expressed disbelief that the breach could have been unintentional. “The government’s policy has always been clear—no alcoholic drinks at official functions. Everyone knows this.
How this was breached is beyond me, unless it was deliberate,” he said. He speculated that the move might have been a test to gauge public reaction, particularly from Malaysia’s Muslim community.
A Breach of Cultural Norms
Dr Mahathir emphasized that the individual responsible was likely aware of the policy but proceeded regardless, possibly to provoke a response. “For Muslims, it’s not just about abstaining from alcohol—serving it in their presence is also objectionable,” he said, referencing the gala dinner held during the Global Travel Meet, which drew public criticism for reportedly offering alcoholic beverages.
The former prime minister underscored Malaysia’s unique cultural landscape, where mutual respect is paramount. “In Malaysia, we are more sensitive. For example, you wouldn’t serve pork at a dinner with Muslim guests, as it’s haram. Even if they don’t consume it, serving it is unacceptable here,” he said, stressing that Malaysia’s value system demands sensitivity to diverse cultural and religious norms.
Ministerial Apology and Clarification
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing has since acknowledged the error in organizing the event. During Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Tiong expressed deep regret for the discomfort caused, clarifying that the gala dinner was a private function, not an official government event.
“The ministry and I are deeply sorry for any confusion or misunderstanding that caused unease among the public,” he said, admitting he should have announced the event’s private status earlier.
Tiong assured that future official engagements would adhere strictly to government guidelines, particularly Service Circular 3/2003, which prohibits alcohol at official functions.
Differing Perspectives
The controversy intensified when Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming commented that serving alcohol at international events is a common practice and that no Muslims were forced to consume it. He urged against overreacting, warning that the issue could tarnish Malaysia’s global image ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Nga highlighted Malaysia’s diversity and interfaith harmony, embodied in the “Malaysia Truly Asia” slogan, as a cornerstone of the nation’s identity.
However, Mahathir countered that such explanations overlook local sensitivities. “In other countries, serving alcohol or pork at official events may be acceptable, but in Malaysia, we must respect our social fabric and the values that define us,” he said.
