KUALA LUMPUR – Getting drunk in public is unbecoming of a minister irrespective of his religion, said Wan Saiful Wan Jan in response to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s behaviour during an event in Pelangai.
“The tourism minister should not play up religious sentiments for personal gain. This is not a religious issue, but a moral one. Even if the minister is an atheist, being drunk in public does not suit a leader.
“Would it be acceptable if a non-Muslim civil servant or senior official gets drunk in public after this?” the Tasek Gelugor MP asked in a statement today.
He added that Tiong’s explanation showed he is not fit to be a minister and used it as a “political tool”.
“On top of being incompetent to carry out duties, (you) also lack any leadership characteristics,” said Wan Saiful.
Yesterday, Tiong defended his alcohol consumption and dancing during a festival with Pelangai residents, saying that it was nothing wrong as he is not a Muslim.
In a response to Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin in Dewan Rakyat, he said he was playing with some children during the lantern festival.
“I’m not Muslim. What’s wrong if I drink alcohol? I drink, I play with children like a ‘crazy’ person. What’s wrong with that?”
On October 16, Mas Ermieyati sarcastically reprimanded Tiong, whom she said was unsuited for the tourism, arts and culture portfolio as it appeared that he wanted to introduce Malaysia by getting drunk and dancing in public. – November 1, 2023