PETALING JAYA: Tourism industry players have defended Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing over the presence of alcoholic beverages at a Tourism Malaysia dinner.

“I’ll say it again—if you want to sack the minister, ask us first!” said Mint Leong, president of Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA), adding that the minister’s performance should be judged by the industry and not politicians.

Calls for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to sack Tiong have drawn strong reactions from the tourism industry.

“In fact, we should ask the Prime Minister to remove politicians who are sabotaging the tourism industry’s growth,” said Leong in an interview with Sin Chew Daily.

She was responding to statements by Datuk Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh, UMNO Youth chief and Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, the MP for Masjid Tanah, who criticised the Tourism Ministry for serving alcohol at a tourism dinner in Sunway Resort and demanded that Tiong be dismissed.

Leong said both leaders had politicised the issue, showing no appreciation for the resources the ministry invested in promoting Melaka.

“Since these two Melaka representatives are ungrateful, perhaps the minister should consider withdrawing the planned Visit Melaka Year 2026 launch from the state,” she said.

Leong stressed that the duo’s remarks were insensitive and irrational, undermining years of hard work by tourism operators.

“The ministry and industry players invested heavily to host World Tourism Day celebrations in Melaka, successfully attracting visitors and filling hotels to capacity.

The entire nation’s attention was on Melaka—yet instead of gratitude, we received criticism. It’s truly disheartening,” she said.

Leong urged politicians not to politicise tourism and alcohol, saying the two are inseparable.

“Drinking is part of international social culture. In most countries, alcohol is used to welcome guests. The dinner was attended by international buyers. The minister mentioned that the event generated RM420 million in economic returns—and that’s absolutely true.”

She explained that while MITA was not involved in organising the dinner, it is unrealistic to expect tourism and alcohol to be completely separated.

Leong added that politicising tourism issues harms Malaysia’s image and could undermine Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

“The government and industry associations have invested huge sums to promote tourism, even inviting foreign agents, media, and influencers at our own expense.

Yet a dinner meant to thank them turned into social media controversy about ‘alcohol,’ followed by calls for the minister’s resignation. It’s baffling.

You don’t have to drink—but don’t use politics to judge others,” said Leong.

Tiong, in a statement, clarified that Tourism Malaysia only organised the 2½-day Global Travel Meet, which generated RM420 million in revenue for the country.

He said the dinner in question was a private event organised by industry members and companies to celebrate the success and entertain international partners.