Kuching: DAP Sarawak has declared its support for Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, rejecting opposition calls for the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture to resign over a recent controversy involving the serving of alcoholic beverages at a dinner event.
DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen said the opposition’s demand was “totally unwarranted”, noting that Tiong had already clarified in Parliament that the dinner in question was not an official government function.
“The dinner where alcoholic beverages were served was privately funded and not paid for by the ministry. Therefore, there was no breach of any government directive,” Chong said in a statement.
He added that the event, held in conjunction with the Global Travel Meet (GTM), was a celebration that contributed significantly to the national economy, generating an estimated RM420 million in business impact.
“Such performances and direct benefits to the country should be the main focus, rather that other sentiments that are not constructive and has the tendency to divide our multicultural and multireligious country,” he said.
Chong also highlighted Malaysia’s tourism achievements under Tiong’s leadership, noting that the sector has made a “powerful comeback” since 2023.
“Between 2023 and 2025, tourism receipts are projected to total nearly RM300 billion, building from RM71.3 billion in 2023, soaring past RM100 billion in 2024, and projected to hit RM125 billion in 2025, with international arrivals reaching 38 million in 2024 – a 31.1% increase from the previous year.
“For the period between January and July 2025 alone, Malaysia recorded 28.2 million international arrivals, a 14.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
“This shows how Malaysia is positioning itself as a global tourism beacon under the current MADANI Federal Government,” he added.
Chong criticised PAS and Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders for continuing to demand Tiong’s resignation despite his parliamentary clarification, accusing them of attempting to discredit the federal government and inflame racial sentiments.
He also aimed at Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) leaders for “misleading” the public into believing that the State Government allows and will pay for alcoholic beverages to be served at state official functions by saying, “We drink whenever we want.”
“Throughout my 20 years attending the Sarawak State dinners as an ADUN, not a single drop of alcohol was served in all those dinners.
“It seems that the Sarawak State government also does not allow nor pay for alcoholic drinks to be served in State official dinners. I also do not think the SUPP leaders can “drink alcohol whenever they want” in those State dinners,” he said.
Chong further urged SUPP leaders to focus on constructive efforts such as reviving local products like the “Santubong” beer brand, instead of “making jokes” at Tiong’s expense.
“It would be more productive for SUPP to help local entrepreneurs and prevent narrow-minded religious extremism from taking root in Sarawak,” he said.
