'Demoted' Tourism Malaysia DG hits back, questions process used by Tiong in the action

THE EMBATTLED director-general of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia), who is being controversially removed from his position, has questioned the manner in which this is being done, particularly in terms of procedure.

Datuk Dr Ammar Abd Ghapar was reported by Malaysia Gazette as taking umbrage at Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s explanation that he has been demoted due to his declining performance.

"If my performance has slumped, there is a process to demote me or terminate my service," Ammar was quoted as saying yesterday.

He said that there should be a process that can be applied for Tiong to take action against him if the allegation about his work performance is true.

"There is a process. (It’s) not just take action as you like,” he told Malaysia Gazette.

“This (Tourism Malaysia) is a government agency, not a private limited company. Even companies by right have regulations."

Ammar was responding to Tiong’s explanation on the matter earlier yesterday.

The minister had denied reports that Ammar has been sacked from the post of director-general.

He said that Ammar is demoted to the position of deputy director-general.

Tiong reasoned that the decision was made due to Ammar's declining performance, which was described as unsatisfactory, despite being advised several times to improve.

"I gave him a chance because he has a PhD in tourism, but it doesn’t show in his work," Tiong was quoted as saying by Bernama.

“Tourists come here, but there are no new destinations (because) he doesn't do engagements with other states and countries."

He said this in response to media reports on Ammar's dismissal as Tourism Malaysia director-general as was allegedly stated in a letter dated February 22.

According to the letter, the termination of Ammar's service, effective tomorrow (February 26), is under Subsection 10 (1) of the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board Act 1992 (Act 481), read together with Section 47 of the Interpretation Act 1948 and 1967 (Act 388).

Elaborating on the matter, Tiong said that one of the reasons for the action was that Ammar was not engaging with industry players.

"For example, with China, I said (target) five million inbound tourists, because they are tourists and they spend, (but) he said it can't be achieved, (and set) only three million tourists.

"However, the number of tourists who came did not reach three million, (only) 1.6 million tourists. It means he did not carry out engagements, other states complained... there is no answer... so now we have seen all the weaknesses," he said.

Tiong said that Ammar would retire in March next year, but he (Tiong) could not wait until then to act for the survival of the Malaysian tourism industry.

Meanwhile, Tiong also said that the senior director of Tourism Malaysia's international promotions (Asia and Africa), who is also the acting deputy director-general (planning), P. Manoharan, will be appointed to replace Ammar and the appointment will be made according to the stipulated procedure.

Tourism federation calls for transparency

The demotion has come in the midst of the country disclosing encouraging data on tourism arrivals after Covid-19 brought the hospitality industry to a standstill four years ago.

It was reported that Malaysia recorded nearly 29 million foreign arrivals last year, becoming the top popular destination in the Southeast Asia region, a position once assumed by Thailand before the pandemic.

Singaporeans were Malaysia's biggest source of foreign arrivals with 8.3 million, followed by Indonesians, Thais, Chinese nationals and Bruneians.

Thailand came in second in the region by drawing 28 million foreign tourists, followed by Singapore with 13.6 million.

Vietnam was in fourth with 12.6 million while Indonesia recorded 11.7 million arrivals.

The Philippines and Cambodia each attracted some 5.4 million international tourists last year.

In light of the impressive data, travel trade members have expressed concern over the action taken on Ammar.

The Malaysian Tourism Federation (MTF) has sought clarification and called for transparency

"This abrupt decision regarding a highly experienced industry professional with a notable 36-year career is prompting significant inquiries within the top tourism organisation responsible for promoting tourism in Malaysia.

“We are asking the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism to offer an explanation for the termination," said MTF secretary-general Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel. 

"Let us work together to promote transparency and resolve any concerns among public and private stakeholders."

It is essential for Tourism Malaysia to have an experienced, strong and stable leadership in order to elevate the industry and enhance its competitiveness in the regional market, he added. – The Vibes, February 25, 2024