Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stern warning to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and his ministry (MOTAC) that the serving of alcohol at an official government event must never be repeated. Anwar emphasized that the government maintains a strict policy against alcohol at official functions, and he deemed the explanation provided by MOTAC as unacceptable.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MOTAC explained that the alcohol was served only after the official programme had concluded. However, Anwar stated that the serving of alcohol was still inappropriate as it occurred within the same venue and was considered part of the same event. He issued a stern warning to both the Minister and the Ministry, insisting that such a mistake should not happen again.

The Prime Minister made these comments to Bernama and RTM after seeing off visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Bunga Raya Complex. He further warned all government leaders and agencies against taking similar matters lightly and reminded them of the importance of adhering to the government's policies.

The controversy arose from a dinner event held during the Global Travel Meet programme, which Tiong attended. Photos from the event, showing the minister and guests with glasses of wine and beer, have gone viral, prompting the Prime Minister's response.