AS Malaysia approaches Visit Malaysia Year 2026, it is disheartening to see how poorly the Ministry of Tourism is being managed under the leadership of Tiong King Sing.
The recent promotional campaign, which failed to include even a single mosque, is not just a careless oversight—it is an insult to Malaysia’s Islamic identity and a failure to recognize what truly makes this country unique.
This neglect is symptomatic of a deeper problem: a Minister who neither understands nor respects the heart of Malaysia’s tourism potential.
Under his stewardship, the Ministry appears to prioritize superficial efforts like promoting Malaysia-China relations—something we have already celebrated with 50 years of bilateral ties.
What Malaysia needs now is not another ribbon-cutting ceremony but a real strategy that generates income for the people and showcases our heritage to the world.
The Malay community, which forms the backbone of this nation, has every reason to feel betrayed by the Ministry’s disregard for their contributions.
While Tiong King Sing seems eager to please external audiences, he has alienated Malaysians at home. His popularity, particularly among the Malay community, has plummeted, and his performance as a Minister is uninspiring at best.
If the Minister is serious about rectifying his failing record, here are three pressing questions he must answer:
1. How does the Ministry plan to shift its focus from the overemphasis on Malaysia-China relations to creating a diversified and sustainable tourism strategy that benefits all Malaysians?*
2. What concrete steps will the Ministry take to promote Islamic attractions, such as the majestic Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan and the historic Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, across all states as key pillars of Malaysia’s tourism identity?*
3. How will the Ministry repair the damage caused by its neglect of the Malay community’s heritage and values, ensuring that future campaigns truly respect and reflect Malaysia’s Islamic and cultural roots?*
Malaysia is a country rich in history, culture, and diversity. It is unfortunate that under Tiong King Sing, the Ministry of Tourism has failed to leverage this richness to drive economic growth and foster unity.
The Muslim tourism market, projected to reach USD 225 billion by 2028, offers immense potential. Yet, the Ministry continues to ignore this golden opportunity in favor of shallow, ineffective strategies.
It is time for Tourism Malaysia to pivot towards a tourism strategy that is inclusive, sustainable, and reflective of Malaysia’s identity as a Muslim-majority nation.
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If Tiong King Sing is unwilling or incapable of doing so, he should step aside for someone who can. The people deserve better, and Malaysia cannot afford to let this opportunity slip away due to poor leadership.
The time for change is now.
Iskandar Khoo Kuan Yiaw
Ketua Kawasan badan Perhubungan PN Kawasan Kepong
Ketua Kawasan badan Perhubungan PN Kawasan Kepong
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