Tourism Minister challenges individual who alleged pork served in ministry’s office to provide proof, vows legal action

Tiong has issued a challenge to his accuser to come up with proof to substantiate the latter's allegations.

KUCHING, Jan 6: Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) Minister Dato Seri Tiong King Sing has issued a challenge to the individual who alleged that alcoholic beverages and pork were served in his office to come up with proof to support the accusation within two weeks.

Tiong in a Facebook post today said he would not hesitate to take legal action to ensure that such defamation would not continue in the future.

“It is emphasised that we at Motac, always instill a spirit of unity and mutual respect for each other.

“One of my priorities since leading Motac is to ensure a harmonious work environment and to ensure that the country’s economic growth develops smoothly in order to enable the people’s agenda to be implemented,” he said.

He was responding to a WhatsApp message that went viral, alleging that he is drinking and eating pork including storing alcoholic beverages in his office.

While condemning the baseless accusations, Tiong said that the person who deliberately tarnished his name in connection with this matter is trying to provoke racial tension.

“The content of the message is not only false, but also touches on religious and racial sensitivities that are clearly aimed at inciting hatred. In fact, it also tarnishes the image of the national administration,” said Tiong.

He explained that so far, no cleaner has been appointed to his office to clean dishes, and the food served to guests, especially foreign dignitaries are ordered from Chinese restaurants around Putrajaya which do not serve pork.

For the accusation of storing alcoholic beverages in office, he said such bottles were a gift from international guests and was received as a gesture of respect.

According to Tiong, as a representative of a civil servant, he did not decline the gift but at the same time it was inappropriate for him to take the gift home and consider it as an absolute right when it was given in the capacity of an official meeting.

“Whenever possible, we try to hand these gifts to other recipients such as officials or foreign guests during dinner parties or casual events. Is all that wrong?” he asked.

“Don’t ever try to destroy harmony in this country. I hope this statement can clear up the situation and stop all rumors that if not controlled will become a ‘cancer’ to the country,” he said. — DayakDaily