(Miri, 9th) – In response to the controversy sparked by the 2025 Global Tourism Congress (GTM 2025), Democratic Action Party (DAP) Youth Chief Yong Hong Lin criticized two Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders—Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati and UMNO Youth Chief Akmal Salleh—for repeatedly stirring up the issue and targeting Minister of Tourism Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing, describing them as 'bulls in a china shop.'
Yong pointed out that these two have continuously focused on political interests, yet have contributed little of real substance to the country’s economy or to the people.
'Mas, as the Public Accounts Committee Chairperson, should concentrate on more important matters, such as issues relating to the Immigration Department and the domestic fake halal meat scandal, rather than repeatedly entangling herself in the GTM issue. As for Akmal Salleh, he ought to appreciate that GTM 2025 is set to bring economic returns as high as RM420 million.'
He emphasized that Mas’s repeated remarks from a “cultural sensitivity” angle have damaged Malaysia’s image of social harmony and cultural inclusivity.
'Her approach lacks political sense and is as reckless and oblivious as a bull in a china shop.'
This DAP member from Telang Usan also questioned: 'Imagine this — when potential non-Muslim tourists see these comments on social media, would they still feel confident traveling to Malaysia? Especially to Melaka? This is a private event, so why is she interfering? The Hotel.com data she quoted is also extremely one-sided; in reality, 66% of tourists aged 25 to 34 still wish to freely enjoy alcoholic beverages.'
Yong further criticized Mas for selectively citing statistics and creating panic, saying her methods are identical to PAS’s political agitation.
'We in Sarawak do not have such issues; we have always upheld the spirit of social harmony and cultural inclusivity—everyone is respected, and no one is harmed.'
He explained that although Tiong King Sing is not the event organizer, he still actively cooperated with the Prime Minister’s suggestions, handling the incident transparently and showing a responsible attitude.
'I advise Mas and Akmal Salleh to remember their responsibilities as members of the Unity Government and to stop stirring up pointless controversies. Perhaps next year’s GTM should be moved to Sarawak, so Melaka collects a little less alcohol tax and they can learn some self-reflection.'
Yong pointed out that these two have continuously focused on political interests, yet have contributed little of real substance to the country’s economy or to the people.
'Mas, as the Public Accounts Committee Chairperson, should concentrate on more important matters, such as issues relating to the Immigration Department and the domestic fake halal meat scandal, rather than repeatedly entangling herself in the GTM issue. As for Akmal Salleh, he ought to appreciate that GTM 2025 is set to bring economic returns as high as RM420 million.'
He emphasized that Mas’s repeated remarks from a “cultural sensitivity” angle have damaged Malaysia’s image of social harmony and cultural inclusivity.
'Her approach lacks political sense and is as reckless and oblivious as a bull in a china shop.'
This DAP member from Telang Usan also questioned: 'Imagine this — when potential non-Muslim tourists see these comments on social media, would they still feel confident traveling to Malaysia? Especially to Melaka? This is a private event, so why is she interfering? The Hotel.com data she quoted is also extremely one-sided; in reality, 66% of tourists aged 25 to 34 still wish to freely enjoy alcoholic beverages.'
Yong further criticized Mas for selectively citing statistics and creating panic, saying her methods are identical to PAS’s political agitation.
'We in Sarawak do not have such issues; we have always upheld the spirit of social harmony and cultural inclusivity—everyone is respected, and no one is harmed.'
He explained that although Tiong King Sing is not the event organizer, he still actively cooperated with the Prime Minister’s suggestions, handling the incident transparently and showing a responsible attitude.
'I advise Mas and Akmal Salleh to remember their responsibilities as members of the Unity Government and to stop stirring up pointless controversies. Perhaps next year’s GTM should be moved to Sarawak, so Melaka collects a little less alcohol tax and they can learn some self-reflection.'