Anwar - the issue is not ALCOHOL - but CORRUPTION in that Government event - Why do companies 'sponsor', give money, etc? For future contracts, for non-enforcement of law,...?

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stern warning to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and his ministry (MOTAC) over the serving of alcohol at an official government event, saying it must never be repeated....unacceptable, as the government maintains a firm policy against serving alcohol at official functions, without exception.

PM Anwar misses the point, or focused on the wrong concern

 

CORRUPTION is the main concern here. 

 

Why did INDUSTRY players pay for the official government event? Was it to get 'special treatment' now or in the future from the Ministry and/or Government? Was it to get an 'advantage' when it comes to government projects awarded by the Ministry or Government? 

 

In short, no Ministry or Government Department should rightly be accepting monies or benefits from persons/companies who have an interest in the Ministry - be it, the possibility of receiving government contracts, or even receiving a 'better' treatment like 'non-enforcement of the law' including COMPOUND offers rather than being charged and tried in court. [Remember, compounds can be any sum so long it it is not higher than half the maximum fine - so, a small compound is a benefit]. Other advantages sort by such donations could be in the  procuring of a licence/permit/approval from the said Ministry and/or government? Was this a case of 'thank you' for past treatments? THIS IS WHAT THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED, AND ACTED ON...in my opinion. 

 

When a company or a person involved in a company who donated/funded/sponsored a government event/product/etc - How can the Minister or Ministry perform their duties professionally? 

 

When it comes to deciding who should get a contract/tender - will all Ministry officials and the Minister RECUSE themselves as the applicants('industry players') who applied is someone that sponsored/donated/funded?

 

BEST PRACTICE - No Ministry or Minister should take any funds/contribution/monies for whatever purposes from anyone who is anyway connected to a company, who falls within the jurisdiction of the Ministry - better still the government??

 

Industry Players - usually it will not involve ALL - and so will others who did not fund/donate be prejudiced?

 

YES it may not result in the Minister or officer receiving any monies(or other benefits) personally or to his/her family or acquaintances - but this should also be considered a CORRUPT PRACTICE especially when the Government, Ministry or even a government owned company agency is concerned. 

 

So, what about DONATIONS from companies/individuals for some purpose or some Ministry or for some politician who is the parties that form Government? Well, we need a TRANSPARENT mechanism ... which leaves no doubt that it is for 'corruption'...  

 

Also need to have a Code for Members of Cabinet - that clearly sets on what is WRONG. No accepting benefits/money/gifts/treats/'donations' from persons/companies - we do not want it to be seen as a 'BRIBE' - and if it happens, then it must be forthwith PUBLICLY disclosed... 

 

NEXT - Serving Alcohol in Government Events?

 

Anwar claims it to be a Government Policy - where is that policy stated - what document? 

 

If not, any PM and/or Ministers can simply claim this and that is government policy.

 

So, did Anwar come up with this policy just now on his own? OR was this policy even considered and approved by Cabinet? Was this a policy of the OLD BN Regime - or is this a policy of PH, PN or the new Anwar's government?

 

Clarification please - PM Anwar Ibrahim.

 

Serving alcohol at official functions, without exception. - Are you sure? Does it also include Embassy functions overseas? So, will TRUMP not be served alcohol at any government functions?

 

What about attendance at other functions as PM or Minister - Are government officers, in the performance of duty, barred from events where alcohol is served. Many embassies have functions, where alcohol and even pork may be served, so are Malaysian Ministers or government officers BARRED from attending.

 

If there is a POLICY or LAW - it must not make any exceptions - if not it may be simply HYPOCRISY? Can Anwar confirm that there has been NO ALCOHOL served in Government events here in Malaysia and also overseas? 

 

LET us look at PORK and Alcohol - what I know is that Muslims are Prohibited from Consumption - because it is Dirty, Haram -in exceptional situation, it can be consumed.

 

Let us look at BEEF which for Hindus and Buddhists, it is SACRED  

Hindus abstain from eating beef because the cow is considered a sacred animal, a symbol of the Earth and the mother figure, and an essential provider of nourishment and spiritual purity in Hindu culture.

As such, it is reasonable to say that eating BEEF or serving BEEF at events where Hindus/Buddhist come may be seen as WORSE as it not 'HARAM' but it is sacred - and one should respect this fact, since Malaysia is a multi-religious country.

 

I do not think that Islam prohibits Muslims attending events where Alcohol, Pork or other Haram things are served, and consumed by others... 

 

Now, for some cultures, ALCOHOL is not just a norm but a cultural requirement or norm for some events - and if alcohol is not offered or served, it is considered disrespectful...

 

Like wise, office mates, majority of whom drink alcohol wants to go for an outing in Malaysia, normally the maybe few Muslim staff follow - for the purpose of team-building or solidarity but the Muslims do not consume alcohol. If they are 'FORCED' to go to premises that do not serve alcohol - would that not lead to leaving out all Muslims???

 

Anwar says it is POLICY - whose policy? PM Anwar's policy - if so, where exactly is it stated? It must be stated most clearly in LAW. If not such utterance by the Prime Minister or any other Minister is 'mere puff'  

A mere puff is an exaggerated, non-promissory statement made in advertising or negotiations that no reasonable person would believe to be true or take literally, and therefore has no legal effect or consequence. 

Remember, that promise for houses for Plantation Workers if/when Plantations cease operations that was repeatedly made by Ministers and even Chief Ministers or State Exco - but when plantations closed down, many workers who had been living in homes for generations were also evicted - and the government failed to ensure that these workers got FREE homes. So just utterance of the Prime Minister that is is 'government policy' is NOT ENOUGH - it must be stated in a government policy document or in LAW - so that it does not turn out to be 'mere puff' - and no one (even the victims) have a right to enforce what was committed to by Ministers, etc.. which they believed was POLICY or guarantee of rights.

 

So, if there is to be a GOVERNMENT policy on alcohol,pork and BEEF in Multi-Religious Malaysia - there must be a clear legally enforceable policy or law. If it is going affect the whole of Malaysia, then it must be passed by Parliament - not just Prime Minister, as PMs change. Is Anwar adopting all 'policies' made by past PMs like Mahathir and Najib?

 

Another thing to note is Anwar's statement (or POLICY?) that Sedition Act usage will only be confined to 3R matters (race/religion/royalty) - but obviously even the Police and others are not following it - because of the fact that is still NOT LAW or gazetted policy that need to be followed. It has been used many times for cases not even 3R - a Sabah activist for raising the Bajau Laut issue and others..

 

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stated that the Sedition Act 1948 should only be used to handle provocative issues related to the "3Rs": royalty, race, and religion

. 

Malaysian police have arrested seven men in connection with social media posts deemed seditious, threatening, or insulting towards national leaders, authorities confirmed today....The cases involve users allegedly posting content ranging from comments insulting the government and national leaders, to threats and statements capable of causing public alarm....“These cases are being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Sections 504 and 505(b) of the Penal Code, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998,” Kumar [Bukit Aman Criminal Investigations Department director Comm Datuk M. Kumar] said. - Malay Mail, 6/10/2025  

The sessions court here today acquitted blogger Wan Azri Wan Deris of a charge of making a seditious statement against the government.Judge Siti Aminah Ghazali ruled that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against Wan Azri, also known as Papagomo, at the close of its case.The 42-year-old blogger was charged in January 2024 under the Sedition Act 1948 for claiming that the government was “pro-Israel and pro-Western nations”. - FMT, 

Is insulting or criticizing government leaders a 3R issue - NO, in my opinion? Is claiming Anwar or the government is Pro Israel or anti Palestine a 3R issue? Again, in my opinion, NO.

This is the point of simple statements of any Minister that something is again government policy? WHO Determines GOVERNMENT POLICY - the PM only or the Cabinet only, or should it be the Parliament.

Let's say Tiong King Sing, as the Minister violated alleged government policy - then reasonably he should be Charged in Court and penalized according to the law, or charged for a MISCONDUCT and subjected to Disciplinary actions.

Here, NOTHING HAPPENS - so funny - does that mean that anyone can do anything against government policy - and get away scot free for that - just a comment by the PM? 

Government Policy needs CERTAINTY and publicity - so everyone knows clearly that it is government policy, and any action in breach of such 'government policy' will have its consequences - 'imprisonment and/or fine' or some disciplinary termination.  

WRONG for the Prime Minister or any Minister just suddenly come out with 'some maybe new policy on his own'. Who should come out with Government Policy - any Minister on his own, Cabinet, Parliament or the people of Malaysia.

If there is to be a Government Policy or LAW then, considering Malaysian multi-religious population, that should not just involve alcohol, pork but also Beef and any other food any other religious/cultural group considers 'Haram' and/or sacred.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim should remember that he is the Prime Minister of Malaysia - not just any one ethnicity or religion BUT all, and if he can only be seen or ACT as Prime Minister of one religion/ethnicity, he should RESIGN as Malaysian Prime Minister...

Concerns was raised about those ERA FM employees that made 'fun' of an Hindu Religious practice - why were they not charged in court for their crimes to date? Is our Prime Minister and government only going to take action on those that make 'fun' of Islam - and not those who make 'fun' or mock other religions practiced in Malaysia?? A picture of the PM with these alleged perpetrators raises questions - Is he supporting such people?

PM Anwar or any other government leaders must be careful of these kind of pictures - it can give the 'wrong' impression of the PM's position - Is he OK with those that insult other religions? Remember, many Malaysians (not just Hindus) were very angry with these persons - who insulted or made fun of a religious practice. As PM of Malaysia, he should be angry with the crime and its perpetrators ...should he not?

ERA FM Must Refuse Compound Offer, Also Any ‘Out Of Court Settlement’, As It Impacts On Press Freedom And Puts At Risk Media Organizations For Crimes Committed By Employees, Without Their Knowledge/Consent

ERA FM Employees - charge them Sec. 298 Penal Code - Actions which wound religious feelings - not Section 233 CMA 1988, which must be repealed? Anwar - personally speak up

If such criminals, plead guilty and repent - we do not want them punished too much - just a fine and a token 2 days imprisonment is also good enough. But, not to charge them in court sends a wrong message...[Our criminal laws should carry other punishment like community service, PUBLIC apology in all Media, etc ...] 

Many Government - Federal/State/Local - So, whose POLICY/Laws?  

There are many governments in Malaysia - Federal Government, State Government and Local Governments - and not all have a Muslim majority population. Policy should NEVER simply be based on will of the majority - minority concerns also should be taken into consideration when it comes to government policies/laws and even practices. 

Remember - Article 8(2)  (2) Except as expressly authorized by this Constitution, there shall be no discrimination against citizens on the ground only of religion, race, descent, place of birth or gender in any law or in the appointment to any office or employment under a public authority or in the administration of any law relating to the acquisition, holding or disposition of property or the establishing or carrying on of any trade, business, profession, vocation or employment. - This is an obligation imposed on especially the GOVERNMENT - even in the formulation of Law/Policy - and even in the BUDGET or government expenses.

When the government allocates BUDGET for Malaysian Indians - is this not a violation of the Federal Constitution? Further, in Malaysia, there are just not Malays, Chinese or Indian Malaysians or Sabah Sarawak Natives - there are others like Sri Lankan Malaysians, Pakistani Malaysians, Arabic Malaysians, Eurasian Malaysians, Nyonya Baba, also 'Brazil, the Netherlands, Spain and Argentina' Malaysians - so, by such ethnic/religious allocation - is not there not DISCRIMINATION? What about the minority minorities - no allocation? 'no discrimination against citizens on the ground only of religion, race, descent,...'

When the government allocates BUDGET for Islam only or Islamic Development - is this not a violation of the Federal Constitution? Different, if the allocation is for a places of worship? I do not see anything in the Federal Constitution for the spending of monies/effort to develop any religion - Islam, by the way, comes under the Jurisdiction of the States, save for Federal Territories.. THINK ABOUT IT?

Is this all just a 'POLITICAL GIMMICK' of the government of the day to secure/maintain support from voters of a particular ethnicity/religion? If yes, will it maybe be an ABUSE of power? We are having problems with public healthcare - including shortage of staff, with inadequate courts and judges - and people are denied speedy trials, dates of postponed cases are a year or more away... {So, when we look at the Budget, do not just look at what benefits me - but whether the Budget is responsible and benefits all and is for the good of Malaysia] End the ABUSE to woo voters?   

If there are to be Government Policy/Laws - it must be made PUBLIC and violators of such policies should be subject to criminal action. ENACT a LAW. What is policy or law must be determined by the people, maybe through Parliament, but NOT by any one Prime Minister or Minister.

Did Tiong apologize? Not really - he apologized for the confusion, and for not publicly announcing that it was no more 'an official government event' as it had become a private event.  

“I and Motac (Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture) deeply regret any confusion or misunderstanding that caused discomfort among the people. Any inconvenience is deeply regretted. “I should have announced that night that the gala dinner had become a private function. I admit my mistake for not announcing it (not an official government programme) earlier,” he said.

Therefore, if what ought to have been a government event is 'OUTSOURCED' to others, does it then be considered not a government event? I do not think so...

Should MACC and police investigate whether there are any corruption crimes here? 

Anyway, LAW and POLICY need to TRANSPARENT - if not how will anyone know that this or that is against 'Government Policy' or NOT.

The relevant Federal Constitution provision of relevance - Art.7(1)  (1) No person shall be punished for an act or omission which was not punishable by law when it was done or made, and no person shall suffer greater punishment for an offence than was prescribed by law at the time it was committed....

Talking about that - one must ask when did Malaysia make Global Ikhwan Services & Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (Global Ikhwan, GISBH an organised criminal group? When was it gazetted? WHY - because if a person was a member of GISBH before it was gazetted 'organised criminal group' or similarly a 'terrorist organisation' - one cannot be charged for being a member of GISBH or activities with GISBH before it was actually officially listed as an 'organised criminal group' - he/she cannot be prosecuted for actions before the said date of Gazette making GISBH an organized criminal group. Remember the Al Maunah case - this or such crimes of being a member was not rightly used..

 Section 130V  Member of an organized criminal group (Penal Code) 

(1) Whoever is a member of an organized criminal group shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and not more than twenty years. 

So, when a group of people are jointly involved in a crime - well they would be charged for the joint crimes - then Section 34 of the Penal Code will be used - 

Section 34  Each of several persons liable for an act done by all, in like manner as if done by him alone  

 When a criminal act is done by several persons, in furtherance of the common intention of all, each of such persons is liable for that act in the same manner as if the act were done by him alone. 

The point being made is that ALL policy and law that requires all of us to follow must be CLEAR and most importantly made know publicly (TRANSPARENCY) - Wrong to take action of or 'issue stern warning' about some 'hidden'(possibly non-existent) policy or law... 

What if Tiong, and public officers acted against GOVERNMENT POLICY - what happens. It cannot be up to the Prime Minister alone to determine the 'punishment' 

PM Anwar may have wrongly issued the stern warning against the Minister and the Ministry - so prove to us that it is indeed an existing Government Policy - when was it gazetted..

If the Anwar cannot do this - then APOLOGIZE to Tiong and the Ministry --- it is different if Anwar just simply said in his opinion he feels that alcohol should not be served in government events... he has a right to have an Opinion DIFFERENT from even the government, his political party or even Pakatan Harapan ....

 

Anwar issues stern warning to Tiong King Sing over alcohol controversy at Tourism Malaysia dinner

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also reminded the Cabinet and Putrajaya’s administrative machinery to ensure strict compliance with rules prohibiting the serving of alcohol at official government functions. — Bernama pic

By Malay Mail

Tuesday, 07 Oct 2025 12:23 PM MYT

PETALING JAYA, Oct 7 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stern warning to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and his ministry (MOTAC) over the serving of alcohol at an official government event, saying it must never be repeated.

Anwar said the explanation provided by MOTAC — that alcohol was served only after the official programme had concluded — was unacceptable, as the government maintains a firm policy against serving alcohol at official functions, without exception.

“MOTAC explained that the alcohol was served after the official event ended. But it was still within the same venue and part of the same event.

“We have issued a stern warning to the Minister and the Ministry. This mistake must not be repeated. Regardless of the explanation that the programme had concluded, it is still entirely inappropriate,” he stressed.

Anwar told Bernama and RTM this after seeing off visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Bunga Raya Complex here.

The Prime Minister went further, warning all government leaders and agencies not to take such matters lightly.

“I want to remind all members of the Cabinet and the entire government machinery that there is no room for negligence on this issue,” he said.

Anwar was responding to the controversy surrounding the serving of alcohol during a dinner held in conjunction with the Global Travel Meet programme, an event attended by Tiong himself.

Several photos from the evening, which have since gone viral, show the minister and guests holding glasses of wine and beer - Malay Mail, 7/10/2025

Tourism Minister regrets alcohol served at Global Travel Meet gala, apologises for confusion

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has admitted his mistake in organising the gala dinner in conjunction with the Global Travel Meet that sparked a controversy recently. — Bernama pic

Thursday, 09 Oct 2025 2:10 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 — Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has admitted his mistake in organising the gala dinner in conjunction with the Global Travel Meet that sparked a controversy recently.

During Minister’s Question Time at Dewan Rakyat today, Tiong also expressed regret over the controversy of serving alcoholic beverages at the dinner, which caused discomfort among the people.

“I and Motac (Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture) deeply regret any confusion or misunderstanding that caused discomfort among the people. Any inconvenience is deeply regretted.

“I should have announced that night that the gala dinner had become a private function. I admit my mistake for not announcing it (not an official government programme) earlier,” he said.

He was responding to a question from Wan Hassan Mohd Ramli (PN-Dungun) regarding the ministry’s guidelines to ensure that official functions, including those sponsored by the private sector or industry, comply with Service Circular 3/2003, especially the ban on serving alcoholic beverages in official government programmes.

Tiong also stressed that Motac views all public feedback on the issue seriously and at the same time, appreciates the constructive criticism and advice of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the matter.

He said the ministry also gave an assurance that it would continue to ensure that every official engagement from now on complies with government guidelines.

Responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Doris Brodi (GPS-Sri Aman) on the impact of the Global Travel Meet, Tiong said the event successfully attracted the participation of nearly 600 tourism industry players from abroad.He said the three-day event also successfully recorded overall transactions of RM420 million. — Bernama- Malay Mail, 9/10/2025

 

PM Anwar to Era FM trio: Media must elevate nation’s reputation

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim poses for pictures with Era FM hosts Nabil Ahmad, Radin Amir Affendy and Azad Jazmin during the Prime Minister’s Iftar with Media Practitioners event in Kuala Lumpur March 11, 2025. — Picture via Facebook/Anwar Ibrahim

Wednesday, 12 Mar 2025 10:02 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hosted members of the media at the Prime Minister’s Iftar with Media Practitioners event at Angkasapuri yesterday.

Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.

Anwar, who arrived around 6.45 pm dressed in a light blue Baju Melayu, took the time to engage with about 500 media practitioners attending the event.

During the gathering, the prime minister also presented TabungKasih@HAWANA contributions to 10 veteran media practitioners facing health challenges to assist them in preparing for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.

Tabung Kasih@HAWANA, established in conjunction with National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2023, is an initiative by the Communications Ministry and managed by Bernama, aimed at supporting media practitioners.

At the event, Anwar also launched the book Amanat Integriti dan Tatakelola: Malaysia MADANI, published by the Malaysian Institute of Integrity.

Following the iftar, the prime minister joined attendees in performing Maghrib prayers in congregation at Masjid Muhammadi in Angkasapuri.

Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, Anwar said he had offered words of advice to the three Era FM radio presenters involved in the recent religious ceremony controversies.

During the meeting, the prime minister urged them to support the MADANI Government’s efforts in fostering unity while also addressing the issues that had arisen.

“I believe the media plays a crucial role in elevating the nation’s dignity and reputation. My gratitude goes to my friends and all parties involved in making last night’s event a success,” he said.

Anwar also took the opportunity to spend time with old acquaintances, journalists, and top executives from various print, online, television, and radio media agencies before performing the congregational Maghrib prayers. — Bernama, Malay Mail, 12/3/2025