Malaysia has taken a conservative tilt in recent years with Anwar’s government seeking support from the Malay-Muslim majority that accounts for about 60 per cent of the country’s 34 million population.

That group broadly rejected his multicultural political alliance in the 2022 election in favour of an ethno-nationalist opposition bloc. Since then, critics say Anwar has been pushed to align with the right to avoid alienating a resurgent voting bloc.

Critics from both sides of the divide accused Tourism Minister Tiong King Sing of disrespecting Malay sensibilities and Islam’s position as the country’s official religion by allowing alcoholic drinks to be served at the Global Travel Meet 2025 gala dinner last week.

Alcoholic drinks are prohibited at government events.

The Global Travel Meet 2025 website listed government tourism promotional agency Tourism Malaysia as the organiser.