Cabinet allows Timah whiskey to keep its name
The cabinet has agreed to allow Timah whiskey to maintain its name, said two ministers.
Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong along with Domestic Trade and Cooperatives Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi both said the manufacturer will be required to include an additional label on the whiskey bottle to explain that its name was in reference to “bijih timah” - the Bahasa Malaysia term for iron ores.
In a statement on his Chinese-language Facebook page today, Wee said the cabinet had resolved the controversy.
“In the recent few cabinet meetings, cabinet members discussed the latest developments of the Timah issue.
“I am glad that the incident has successfully been resolved in line with the Keluarga Malaysia spirit.
“Timah will not need to change its name. The manufacturer has agreed to include an explanation about the origins of the Timah (name). Timah’s original meaning refers to ‘bijih timah’ - which is related to tin mining,” he said.
Wee, who leads the Chinese-based party MCA, blamed Pakatan Harapan component party Amanah for using the Timah controversy to stoke racial and religious sentiments.
Manufacturer proposed solution
Wee also thanked Alexander for “cooperating” with him on the issue.
Meanwhile, the latter told Sin Chew Daily that the resolution was a proposal from Timah whiskey’s manufacturer Winepak Corporation Sdn Bhd.
“I met with the alcohol manufacturer in question and discussed how to settle this issue.
“I then presented the company’s proposal to the cabinet, the cabinet agreed to it,” Alexander was quoted as saying.
He thus hoped the nomenclature controversy would cease.
“I have tried my best to resolve this issue,” he reportedly said.
The report did not note any cabinet decision on the Timah whiskey logo, which had also been a source of controversy for some.
This resolution comes after Winepak agreed to consult its shareholders and board of directors over whether to change the name and logo of its whiskey product.
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