By: Dr ShahNor Basri
THE recent controversy surrounding the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), involving the serving of alcoholic beverages at an official programme, has ignited public outrage — and rightly so. For a ministry that represents the cultural identity and moral fabric of Malaysia, the justification that “the alcohol was provided by private sponsors” is not only hollow but irresponsible.
A ministry remains accountable for every element conducted under its name, regardless of who foots the bill. The presence of alcohol at an official government function is a reflection of poor governance and an absence of policy clarity within MOTAC itself. It betrays a lack of respect for the sensitivities of a nation whose official religion is Islam and whose institutions are anchored in Malay royal sovereignty — both of which uphold the sanctity and dignity of Islamic values in public life.
Arrogance unbecoming of a minister
The situation was further aggravated by the minister’s astonishing arrogance — as he once remarked in Parliament, “I am not a Muslim; if I want to get drunk, let me.” Such a statement, uttered within the august halls of Parliament, is not only unbecoming of a Cabinet member but reflects a deep disrespect for Malaysia’s foundational principles.
Ministers are not private individuals; their words carry the weight of their office. Public expression that undermines national values and moral sensibilities cannot be brushed aside as mere personal opinion. When a minister trivialises moral responsibility, it sends a dangerous message to the public: that arrogance and defiance are acceptable traits of leadership.
A pattern of misconduct and disregard
This is not the first time Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has courted controversy. Previously, he was involved in an incident at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), where he interfered with immigration officers in the line of duty. His actions at the time were widely criticised for breaching Section 56(1)(g) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, which prohibits obstruction — whether active or passive — of immigration officers performing their duties.
Such conduct reveals a disturbing pattern of disregard for institutional order and the rule of law. When a minister feels entitled to act above established regulations, the credibility of the government itself is jeopardised.
Moral responsibility and precedents of resignation
History is replete with examples of leaders who accepted moral responsibility and resigned for far lesser offences. In Malaysia, Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil stepped down from the Cabinet in 2012 following public pressure over the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) controversy — despite the fact that the allegations were linked to her family, not her direct actions as a minister.
Internationally, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned in 2022 after the so-called “Partygate” scandal, when it was revealed that parties were held in Downing Street during the Covid-19 lockdowns, violating the very rules his own government imposed. His departure underscored a key principle of democratic accountability: that leaders must answer not only for legal violations but also for breaches of public trust.
By the same measure, Tiong’s actions and attitude in this “Winegate” scandal demand immediate accountability. His justification is morally untenable, his behaviour unbecoming, and his continued presence in the Cabinet an embarrassment to the government’s integrity.
Conclusion: A test of leadership for PMX
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has so far demonstrated commendable restraint in dealing with controversies within his administration. However, moral leadership requires more than caution — it requires decisive action when a line has been crossed.
“Winegate” Scandal is not merely about a glass of wine; it is about respect for national values, accountability of public office, and the moral credibility of Malaysia Madani. A mere warning is not enough. Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing must either resign voluntarily or be removed from his position. Anything less will send the wrong signal to the nation and to the world: that arrogance and disrespect can coexist with public office.
Malaysia deserves better — a government that not only governs well but also upholds the dignity, decency, and moral responsibility that come with leadership.
The writer is a principal fellow of the Islamic Academy of Sciences, Jordan
Disclaimer: The views expressed are the author’s own and do not represent the official position of Malaysia Gazette.
