KUALA LUMPUR: The shadow cabinet member for tourism, arts and culture has raised concerns about the possible replacement of overseas directors in Tourism Malaysia with foreign candidates.
Masjid Tanah member of parliament Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing was planning to hire foreigners on a contractual basis and cite underperformance as the reason for the change.
"I have received information that the tourism minister is seeking to appoint foreign candidates to fill the roles of overseas tourism directors.
"This move is justified by claims of current officers' inadequate performance.
"This was the justification used to replace Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Dr Ammar Abd Ghapar. What is the indicator for this?" she said in the Dewan Rakyat during the discussion on the royal address.
On Feb 24, Ammar was demoted due to non-performance.
Tiong said Ammar was not sacked but instead demoted to deputy director-general.
Mas Ermieyati urged the government to clarify whether positions on Tourism Malaysia's board of directors had been filled.
"How are the positions distributed based on the expertise of representatives from the ethnic groups and industries?
"I believe people are eager to learn about the backgrounds of those serving as board members."
She also asked about the unfilled positions of Tourism Ministry state directors in four states.
"The state director's post in Labuan has been vacant for three years. Selangor, Kedah and Negri Sembilan have been without a director for a year.
"Considering that next year is Visit Kedah Year, it's important to appoint a director quickly. Why is it taking one year to appoint a new director?"