KUALA LUMPUR – The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has joined in the criticism against Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing for demoting Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Ammar Abd Ghapar.
Ceupacs president Datuk Adnan Mat said that the notice issued to Ammar on February 22, which came into effect today, could potentially raise concerns among stakeholders, especially local industry players.
“The situation could have been avoided if both parties were able to reach the best solution.
“There is a negative perception of the government as it appears that there is no unity in the administration of a government agency,” Adnan said in a statement today.
“Although the power to appoint the Tourism Malaysia director-general is under the minister’s jurisdiction, such actions (Ammar’s termination and demotion) could create a disharmonious atmosphere between administrative staffers and civil servants,” he added.
“We understand that as a minister, (Tiong) has the power, but was (Ammar’s) termination the best way to address issues?
While acknowledging Tiong’s power as minister to appoint the Tourism Malaysia director-general, Adnan however, did not delve into such powers concerning dismissals or demotions.
Adnan also said that there should be a third party acting as an advisor to ensure fair practices before a decision is made, saying: “If consumers can go to the Tribunal for Consumer Claims to address their issues, then it would be good to also have a committee as a third party for civil servants.
“This can also ward off a bad impression of the public service forces and the government as a whole.”
Annan also alleged Tiong was “known” for various issues including “violating rules”.
“Not to mention that he (Tiong) is seen as a figure who is often involved in issues regarding the violation of rules in the current government’s administration,” the Cuepacs president said without elaboration.
Earlier today, Tiong said that Ammar was removed from office and downgraded to Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general due to his non-performance.
“It’s like he has no ideas or doesn’t know what to do to improve the national tourism industry. If you don’t perform, then someone else has to step in,” the minister told the media on the sidelines of the National Craft Day launch, here today.
This came after Ammar, who was appointed Tourism Malaysia director-general in April last year, said he was “sad and disappointed” over his demotion to deputy director-general.
He also said his removal came as a shock as he has served with the ministry for 35 years.
Ammar’s tenure as director-general ends today. He will start serving as Tourism Malaysia’s deputy director-general of planning on February 26 (Monday).
It was reported that Ammar’s removal could be due to him not seeing eye-to-eye with Tiong, causing the Malaysian Tourism Federation (MTF) to urge the minister and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to explain Ammar’s termination as director-general.
Bersatu’s Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin also expressed deep concern over the alleged abuse of power by Tiong in the matter.
The lawmaker, who served as deputy tourism minister from 2015 to 2018, said she had previously collaborated with Ammar, adding that he had “demonstrated dedication and commitment to enhancing the country’s tourism”. – February 24, 2024