Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has clarified that the recent Global Travel Meet 2025 Gala Dinner, which drew criticism over the serving of alcohol, was not an official government function. His response came after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim issued a stern reminder that alcohol should never be served at any government event.
Images from the gala had gone viral, showing Tiong and several guests holding glasses of wine and beer, sparking public backlash and speculation about whether government funds were involved. Tiong later explained in Parliament that the dinner took place after the official segment of the programme had concluded and was fully organised by private industry players, not by his ministry.
The minister expressed regret for the confusion caused and admitted that he should have clarified earlier that the dinner was privately hosted. He emphasised that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) takes public feedback seriously and that no disrespect was intended toward any group. He reiterated that neither he nor his ministry had sanctioned the serving of alcohol at any official event.
Tiong also highlighted that the event, which gathered around 600 international tourism players, successfully secured RM100 million worth of tourism-related deals for Malaysia. He said the industry players were responsible for all arrangements, including the dinner, and that the MOTAC logo was used for promotional purposes only.
According to him, the Service Circular 3/2003 — which prohibits serving alcohol at government functions — did not apply to the event since it was not under the government’s purview. He insisted that it was a private occasion and that raising the issue was unnecessary, as the ministry had followed all appropriate guidelines for official functions.
Responding to the Prime Minister’s remarks, Tiong affirmed that his ministry fully accepted the advice and would ensure such misunderstandings would not happen again. He urged against politicising the issue, noting that none of MOTAC’s official programmes ever involved alcohol being served on tables during government events.
The controversy has since subsided, but the incident stands as a reminder of the sensitivity surrounding government-linked events in Malaysia, especially those involving religious and cultural expectations. Tiong’s clarification aimed to draw a clear line between official government functions and privately hosted gatherings tied to the tourism sector.
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