KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board has backed Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s “direction”, amid contention over the latter’s call to demote director-general Datuk Ammar Abd Ghapar.
In a statement today, the board said it agreed that pressing change is needed for the country’s tourism sector, and it remained committed to doing its best for the nation’s interest.
“Based on numerous feedback from the industry, states and the general public, few will argue that the tourism sector and how we promote it needs to drastically improve,” the directors said.
“We are in full support of the minister and ministry’s change of direction, and will strive to provide feedback and guidance to ensure these strategies are embraced and executed with good governance and with full transparency.”
The board also admitted that while tourist arrivals and spending have improved, the current situation remains a far cry from pre-pandemic figures as the industry strives to compete with neighbouring countries.
Its statement came after Tiong was criticised for removing Ammar as director-general and demoting him to deputy director-general.
Tiong said he did so due to Ammar’s non-performance, despite holding a tourism-related PhD.
The minister’s explanation came after Ammar, who was appointed as director-general in April last year, said he was “sad and disappointed” over his “shocking” demotion, pointing out that he had served with the ministry for 36 years.
Ammar’s tenure as director-general ends today. He will start serving as Tourism Malaysia’s deputy director-general of planning on February 26 (Monday).
It was reported earlier that Ammar’s removal could be due to him not seeing eye-to-eye with Tiong, leading the Malaysian Tourism Federation to urge the minister and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to explain Ammar’s termination as director-general.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali has since clarified that the authority to appoint and terminate the services of the Tourism Malaysia director-general lies with the minister in charge.
This, Zuki said, is based on provisions under the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Act 1992. – February 24, 2024