A controversy has erupted over the provision of alcoholic drinks at the Global Travel Meet dinner, drawing sharp criticism from multiple PAS leaders. They have directed their attacks at the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Tiong King Sing, demanding that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim immediately remove him from the post.
PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said serving alcohol at an official function contravenes the Treasury’s circular on official ceremonies and runs counter to Article 3 of the Federal Constitution, which recognises Islam as the religion of the federation.
He called the episode embarrassing to the nation and insensitive to Muslims at a time when attention is on the safety of Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) volunteers, adding this was not the first time the ministry had failed to heed sensitivities.
He urged the PM to remove Tiong “immediately”.
The controversy arose following the circulation of photographs online, purportedly from the Global Travel Meet 2025 Gala Dinner hosted under Tourism Malaysia’s banner, which appeared to show alcoholic beverages being served.
Ahmad Fadhli argued that once an event is published on the agency’s official site, “the government must be accountable”, dismissing the minister’s explanation that it was an industry- and privately-organised initiative.
PAS research and policy director (information bureau) Ir Ts Nurul Islam Mohamed Yusoff said the Oct 1–3 programme was organised by Tourism Malaysia and included two dinners in the official itinerary: the Oct 1 launch dinner for Tourism Malaysia’s 2026 calendar, and a second dinner on Oct 2 at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur.
He said the minister’s remarks conflicted with MyCEB’s statement that the dinner was organised by Tourism Malaysia; since MyCEB is an agency under Tourism Malaysia, “there is no basis to disclaim responsibility”.
He expressed regret that Muslim invitees and ministry staff were present at a dinner where alcohol was served, and likewise urged the PM to sack the minister.
Tiong responded that the industry and private sector were enthusiastic about the inaugural global event led by Tourism Malaysia and had stepped in as sponsors to host an international networking dinner, adding the 2½-day programme generated an estimated RM420 million economic impact.
Meanwhile, PAS central committee Annuar Musa also questioned “who is lying” in this matter, saying that if it is proven the dinner was in fact a Tourism Malaysia event, then “the minister has misled the government” and should be held responsible, echoing calls for accountability.
Last Saturday, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing clarified that the gala dinner was a privately funded initiative organised in collaboration with the tourism and private sectors, not a government-led event.
He highlighted the enthusiasm of industry stakeholders, noting that many had sponsored and hosted international partners at the dinner.
Tiong also emphasised the event’s economic impact, estimating that the two-and-a-half-day programme generated approximately RM420 million for Malaysia’s economy.
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