Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that he will bring the issue of alcoholic beverages allegedly served at a dinner linked to Tourism Malaysia to the next cabinet meeting, expressing strong disapproval on behalf of Umno.
The controversy, which has sparked debate due to Malaysia’s status as an Islamic nation, underscores the need for sensitivity in official events, Zahid said.
Speaking at a press conference after launching the Johor chapter of the Yayasan Pelajaran Mara (YPM) 2025 Squad at Stadium Tertutup Arena Larkin on Sunday, Zahid, who is also Umno president and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, condemned the reported incident. “I will personally raise this matter in the cabinet to convey Umno’s objection. As party president, we completely reject this act,” he stated firmly.
Cultural and Religious Sensitivities
Zahid described the serving of alcoholic beverages at the event as inappropriate, given Malaysia’s identity as an Islamic country and the constitutional recognition of Islam as the religion of the Federation.
“All official government events must consider the racial and religious sensitivities, particularly those of Muslims,” said Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister.
He added, “We respect the faiths, cultures, and traditions of others, but such programmes must be rejected.”
Clarification from Tourism Ministry
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.
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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