In the Dewan Rakyat today, Tiong said his mistake led to public misconception that Tourism Malaysia had organised the event.

He also said Tourism Malaysia’s logo and name on the backdrop for the main stage should have been switched with the logos of the industry players who led the event.

Tiong was responding to Wan Hassan Ramli (PN-Dungun), who had asked him about the guidelines to ensure that official events, including those privately sponsored, comply with Service Circular 3/2003 which prohibits the serving of alcoholic beverages at government functions.

The minister said that the circular did not apply to the gala dinner, which was organised by industry players, and expressed regret over the confusion that arose from the event.

Tiong also said his ministry had never violated the circular in tourism-related programmes such as GTM at the World Trade Centre, and the World Tourism Conference, held in Melaka on Sept 25.

He urged the public not to politicise the issue, and to refrain from making accusations and insults.

“Prime Minister (Anwar Ibrahim) gave us his advice, and we accepted it. I would like to say: let us not play politics and accuse (the ministry of) insulting Muslims.

“We have never insulted (Muslims) as we have never served alcohol at any event held by us,” he said.

The serving of alcohol at the Oct 1 gala dinner sparked criticism from various parties across the aisle, including Umno, Amanah and PAS. Tiong also faced calls for his resignation over the issue.