Anwar issues stern warning to minister Tiong, tourism ministry over alcohol issue
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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the ministry's explanation that alcohol was served only after the official event was unacceptable.
PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
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PETALING JAYA – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stern warning to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing and his ministry that the serving of alcohol at an official government event must never be repeated.
Datuk Seri Anwar said the explanation given by the ministry, that alcohol was served only after the official programme had concluded, was unacceptable as the government has a firm policy against serving alcohol at official functions, without exception.
“The ministry 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,” he added.
“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.”
Mr Anwar said this to Bernama and RTM after seeing off visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Bunga Raya Complex in Malaysia on Oct 7. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
