TOURISM, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has denied claims that he consumed alcohol and pork within the office premises, saying the accusations are malicious.
Expressing bewilderment and frustration, he also challenged the unnamed critic to come forward to resolve the matter.
“I challenge and urge those who harbour certain agendas not to hide behind their keyboards to spread rumours and slanders.” he said in a statement with regard to the message that spread in WhatsApp groups.
The message also alleged insinuations of disrespect towards civil servants but netizens are rallying to the defence of the controversial minister.
An X user @wfr3104 said Tiong is free to eat what he wants but no alcohol, please.
If the fellow want to tapao charsiew rice and eat it in his office, what’s the problem?
But no alcoholic drinks ya.
— echo (@wfr3104) January 5, 2024
Another user thought the opponents of the minister were unable to beat him at his job, so they were going for slander.
It’s the norm, they can’t beat or work better than you, simple and just spread or gossip – eat pork in office, anti-Malays, anti-Islam.
— GCTeck (@gcteck) January 5, 2024
Some users blame the current government for Tiong’s behaviour since he became a minister. Recently, he was flagged by netizens for dancing during an event. He appeared to be drunk. Tiong defended himself saying he is not a Muslim and can drink and dance.
Menteri yang entah apa-apa peranannya. Sepatutnya digugurkan dlm rombakan baru2 ini. Lebih kepada gila populariti dari functionality (berkhidmat kpd rakyat).
— zainra (@annuriah) January 6, 2024
(The minister with an unclear role. Supposedly dropped in the recent reshuffle. More inclined towards seeking popularity than serving the people.) – Jan 6, 2023
Main photo credit: Bernama
