SEPANG, MALAYSIA Oct 7, 2025 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim today delivered a strong rebuke to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato’ Seri Tiong King Sing and his ministry, urging them to prevent any recurrence of serving alcohol at government functions.
Anwar emphasised that the ministry’s defence—that liquor was only provided after the formal proceedings concluded—was unacceptable, as official policy explicitly bans such servings entirely, regardless of timing or venue.
“The MOTAC explanation is that this happened after the official event, but in the same place and gathering,” Anwar told Bernama and RTM at the Kompleks Bunga Raya here, following the farewell ceremony for Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who wrapped up his official visit to Malaysia.
“We’ve issued a stern warning to the minister and the ministry to avoid repeating this error. Even if the programme had ended, it was wholly inappropriate,” he added.
Elaborating on the matter, the Prime Minister stressed that the entire Cabinet and government apparatus must remain vigilant to avert similar lapses moving forward.
“I have reminded the Cabinet and all government machinery not to be negligent on this issue,” Anwar said, underscoring the need for strict adherence to protocols in public events.