CHIEF Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali has clarified that the authority to appoint and terminate the services of the director-general of the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) lies with the tourism, arts and culture minister.
He explained that this is provided for in the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board Act 1992 (Act 481).
Zuki said this in response to allegations regarding the removal of Datuk Ammar Abd Ghapar from the position of Tourism Malaysia director-general as contained in a letter dated February 22. The move is effective tomorrow (Monday).
He noted that the government letter was leaked and became viral, leading to an outcry.
He said the issuance of such a letter is under the jurisdiction of the minister concerned, so any explanation should come from the minister involved.
“Actually, the jurisdiction to appoint the director-general of the Tourism Malaysia is under the authority of the minister of tourism, arts and culture, under Act 481, which is the authority of the minister to appoint and terminate his service.
“Sometimes we have to give an explanation to the people because I understand that this issue happened and was spread about,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
According to the letter, the termination of Ammar’s service 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).
Zuki was speaking to reporters after attending an event at the Kuala Selangor Sports Complex today.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing had yesterday denied reports that Ammar has been sacked.
He said that Ammar is demoted to the position of deputy director-general.
Tiong explained 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 added that Ammar was also not engaging with industry players.
Tiong said that P. Manoharan, the senior director of Tourism Malaysia’s international promotions (Asia and Africa), who is also the acting deputy director-general (planning), will be appointed as the next director-general.
Meanwhile, Ammar was reported by Malaysia Gazette as taking umbrage at Tiong’s claim that he has been demoted due to deteriorating 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 said. – The Vibes, February 25, 2024
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