Tourism DG removed from post, reason unknown

Tourism Malaysia director-general Ammar Abd Ghapar has confirmed receiving a termination notice from his post, effective Monday.

Speaking to Malay Mail, Ammar said he received the notice from Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing yesterday morning.

"The letter merely said that effective Feb 26, I'm no longer the DG. It does not say anything else.

"Transferred to where, to what post, what grade (nothing else)," he was quoted as saying.

Ammar further expressed sorrow and frustration for being treated as such after serving for 36 years.

"I have no intention of going against any directive or instructions given... but I feel very frustrated and sad.

“After serving for 36 years, (and with) the experiences I have, I should not be treated this way," he lamented.

‘Unministerly conduct’

Ammar was appointed as Tourism Malaysia DG on April 12 last year and is due to retire on Feb 17 next year.

Tourism Malaysia is formed under the Tourism Promotions Board Act.

Section 10 of the Act, allows the tourism minister to appoint a director-general to the board on terms and conditions determined by the minister.

Meanwhile, Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati Samsudin urged the government to probe Tiong over the various allegations of abuse of power levelled against him.

She was quoted telling Utusan Malaysia that the probe was crucial if Putrajaya was serious about upholding transparency and good governance.

"His attitude and conduct do not reflect the integrity and ethics expected of a minister, especially in a country like Malaysia which is renowned for a harmonious work culture.

"The allegations against are varied - from appointing friends and family to important positions in tourism offices, which reeks of nepotism and cronyism, as well as arbitrarily transferring government officials without a concrete reason which raises questions about the motive," she said.

Malaysiakini has reached out to Tiong's office for comments.

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