Rising public expectations demand government’s honest reflection, says Tourism Minister

Tiong King Sing during Christmas of 2025.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Dec 25: Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing has acknowledged the need for continual refinement of existing systems and policies as public expectations of governance and service continue to rise, stressing that honest reflection and openness to feedback are essential to strengthening trust and sustaining national progress.

In a statement today, he emphasised the importance of recognising shortcomings and listening closely to the people, noting that responsibility and accountability must remain central to public service.

“We also recognise that existing systems and policies require continual refinement. Public expectations of governance and service will only grow. The government therefore carries a responsibility to acknowledge shortcomings and listen closely to the people its serves.

“Only through honest reflection and continuous improvement can trust be strengthened and national progress sustained,” said Tiong who is also Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president.

Reflecting on a year marked by change and responsibility, he held that the year’s end as an opportunity to pause and take stock. Christmas was highlighted as a season of gratitude and reconnection—a time to share not only gifts, but presence, laughter and meaningful moments with loved ones.

Beyond celebration, he described the festive season as a reminder of the importance of stillness and reflection, particularly amid the pressures of daily life, where love and care remain essential values.

He noted that Christmas decorations across shopping malls and public spaces represent more than festive displays. They were described as symbols of shared joy that warm public spaces, foster meaningful experiences and draw people of all backgrounds closer together within Malaysia’s multicultural society.

Emphasising social harmony, he warned against using the festive season to sow division, hatred, or racial and religious tension and called for the rejection of hate speech, the practice of dialogue and tolerance, and the strengthening of trust through mutual respect.

“As we embrace the care and kindness that Christmas represents, we are reminded that harmony requires effort. 

“This season must never be used to sow division, hatred, or racial and religious tension. By rejecting hate speech, choosing dialogue and practising tolerance, Malaysia strengthens trust within its diversity and builds unity through mutual respect. Our harmony and cultural richness remain a source of national pride and a compelling reason visitors return to Malaysia,” said Tiong, who is both Bintulu MP and Dudong assemblyman.

Looking ahead, he held that the New Year will be a moment of renewal—an invitation to reflect honestly, leave behind what has passed, and move forward with clarity and purpose.

In times of change and uncertainty, clarity, he believed will provide grounding and courage to face future challenges with confidence.—DayakDaily