Mr. Leslie Ting Siong Ngiap, Chairman of Parti Bumi Kenyalang (Miri Division) and Supreme Council Organising Secretary, said that if the Federal Government strictly prohibits serving alcohol at official events involving the interests of Sabah and Sarawak, it would be in violation of the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and demonstrate a lack of respect for the racial, religious, and cultural diversity of both regions.
He reminded West Malaysian politicians that Tourism Malaysia was not established solely to promote tourism in Malaya, but to jointly develop Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak into a world class international tourism destination. The agency’s role is to organize and participate in events that attract global attention to the natural beauty, cultural richness, and hospitality of all three regions thereby enhancing Malaysia’s overall tourism standing.
Since Tourism Malaysia’s functions directly involve the interests of Sabah and Sarawak, applying “Islam as the religion of the Federation” as a justification to ban alcohol at its official events is overstepping boundaries and goes against the fundamental spirit of MA63. During the formation of Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah submitted the 18 Point and 20 Point Agreements to safeguard their rights against encroachment by the Federal Government or the Federation of Malaya. These agreements clearly stated that Sarawak and Sabah have no official religion and uphold full religious freedom. Therefore, the “no alcohol” policy should only apply to official events in Malaya not to those involving Sabah and Sarawak.
In response to statements by West Malaysian political parties and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim asserting that “no alcohol should ever be served at official events,” Leslie Ting said he was not surprised. “This reflects the long-standing tendency of West Malaysian politics to be masked in religious and racial overtones,” he said.
“Many Miri residents have expressed to me that they are already tired and disgusted by previous West Malaysian controversies from the ‘shorts’ and ‘socks’ issues to now this ‘alcohol at official events’ uproar. These incidents show a worrying trend of political opportunism that damages national harmony and erodes investor confidence in Malaysia,” he added.
He also revealed that many people in Miri feel a growing sense of fear and disappointment toward the national political climate, disagreeing with the Prime Minister’s stance that “no alcohol should ever be served at official events.” “They find it tragic for Malaysia’s future,” he said.
Most regrettably, the Sarawak based ruling coalition (GPS) has remained silent following this “alcohol ban” controversy. “I call upon the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), as the largest Chinese based party within GPS, to publicly state its position on this issue,” he urged.
“Out of respect for the dignity of Sarawakians, GPS should openly support Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s remarks, ensuring GPS unity and strengthening its political standing within Malaysia.”
Leslie Ting Siong Ngiap
Chairman
Parti Bumi Kenyalang (Miri Division)