He admitted that Tourism Malaysia was initially the organiser, but private sector players saw an opportunity to secure substantial business deals.

“Recognising this opportunity, they voluntarily offered to take over and host the gala dinner themselves,” he said in a brief statement to FMT.

Tiong said Tourism Malaysia’s director-general had sought his approval for the change, which he granted as it would also help reduce government expenditure.

“When the industry players expressed their interest in hosting the gala dinner, we said, ‘We’re honoured! Please, go ahead and take the lead.’

“If they were willing to bear the costs and help reduce the financial burden on the government, why shouldn’t we support that?”

Yesterday, Tiong distanced the ministry from Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati Samsudin’s claim that alcohol was served at a government-hosted dinner, saying it was organised by industry players.

However, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari argued that because the event appeared on Tourism Malaysia’s official website and was scheduled as part of the official programme, the government must still bear responsibility.

Former minister Khairy Jamaluddin also accused Tiong of misleading the public in an Instagram story, showing an excerpt of the invitation letter listing Tourism Malaysia as the organiser.