Lim said the facts were simple: that industry players voluntarily took over responsibility for hosting the event to help secure new business opportunities.

“Tiong approved this initiative to reduce government spending. It was a practical, transparent and cost-saving decision. To claim otherwise is to ignore the real challenges of managing a global tourism industry,” he said in a statement.

The Kepong MP also accused Tiong’s critics of being politically opportunistic and attempting to impose a narrow-minded agenda on a multicultural and globally connected industry.

He warned that such mindsets would stunt the growth of the tourism sector.

“They would rather dictate to international visitors how to behave than compete for their investment and business. I stand firmly with Tiong. His decision was rational, responsible and fully aligned with national interests.

“It is time to stop this political theatre and get back to the real work of building our economy and promoting Malaysia to the world. The people deserve leaders who stay focused on delivering results, not on making noise,” he added.

An Amanah Youth leader however demanded that Tiong’s ministry apologise, arguing that the meet was still an official government event and that alcohol should not have been served.

“We demand that the organiser and ministry issue a public apology and immediately draw up strict guidelines to ensure that such an incident will not recur,” said Penang Amanah Youth chief Khairul Ali.

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

He also said that while Tourism Malaysia was the initial organiser, private sector players saw an opportunity to secure substantial business deals.

Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he would raise Umno’s objection to the serving of alcohol at the upcoming Cabinet meeting.