Senior leaders from Umno and Pas have sharply criticized the serving of alcohol at a government-linked gala dinner hosted by Tourism Malaysia, calling it a breach of Islamic principles and demanding accountability from the minister and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Umno President and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi led the charge, stating that official functions must respect Malaysia’s constitutional commitment to Islam. “Malaysia is an Islamic country, even though we respect other religions, cultures, and practices,” Zahid said, pledging to raise the matter at the Cabinet level.

Umno Youth Chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh intensified pressure, demanding an explanation from Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and warning of consequences if silence persists. Pas Information Chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari echoed the criticism, labeling the alcohol service “inappropriate” for a state-affiliated event.

The controversy centers on the Global Travel Meet Gala held on October 1 at Sunway Resort’s Grand Ballroom, which hosted over 600 international buyers and 100 media representatives. Organizers reported RM420 million in economic impact. Co-hosts—the Malaysian Indian Travel & Tours Association, Malaysian Inbound Chinese Association, and Malaysia My 2nd Home Consultants Association—issued a joint apology, clarifying that they independently funded and managed the catering, separate from the ministry’s Visit Malaysia 2026 calendar launch.

Minister Tiong responded by distancing his agency from the gala’s orchestration, stating that Tourism Malaysia acted only as a facilitator. His clarification followed criticism from Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, who condemned the event’s handling.

The incident underscores Malaysia’s complex balancing act between religious sensitivities and economic imperatives, particularly in the tourism sector, which contributes 15% to GDP.

Zahid’s call for Cabinet review could lead to stricter protocols governing official events, testing Anwar’s unity agenda amid rising public scrutiny.