Tourism Minister sacks DG?
Ammar, Tiong
SHAH ALAM – Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) director-general Datuk Dr Ammar Abd Ghapar has been terminated of his services effective next Monday.
This decision was made because he and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing were reportedly ‘not on the same page.’
The termination letter which was dated Feb 22, 2024, went viral on social media.
It is understood that Tiong terminated Ammar because he was unhappy with the latter’s refusal to comply with instructions.
These instructions were alleged to be in conflict with regulations and governance.
According to the letter, the termination of Ammar’s services was in accordance with Subsection 10 (1) of the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board Act 1992 (Act 481) read together with Section 47 of the Interpretation Act 1948 and 1967 (Act 388).
The letter stated that Ammar’s termination would take effect on Feb 26.
Sinar has been attempting to reach out to the minister to seek clarification.
Tiong’s name has previously been associated with several controversial issues, including the issue of a commotion at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
In the incident, Tiong allegedly broke into the international arrivals hall to free a Chinese visitor detained by the immigration.
However, Tiong in his statement later, admitted to being involved in the incident and even described his actions in exposing the ‘incident’ as shameful.
He alleged the existence of a corruption culture among a few officials and chronic abuse of power at the country’s entrance.