Union bars civil servants from events with alcohol, even unofficial dos

Union bars civil servants from events with alcohol, even unofficial dos


Published: Oct 6, 2025 4:22 PM
Updated: 8:27 PM



The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) is taking a hard line against civil servants attending any events that serve alcohol, including unofficial activities.

This came amid backlash against Tourism, Culture, and Arts Minister Tiong King Sing and Tourism Malaysia over a gala dinner where alcohol was served.

In a statement, Cuepacs president Adnan Mat said civil servants must protect the image, integrity, and dignity of the civil service.

As such, participation in events that can create a negative perception towards the government is unacceptable.

"Cuepacs advises any civil servant who receives an invitation to a dinner, official or unofficial feast, where alcohol might be served, to immediately get confirmation from the organisers.

"If there is any doubt or information that the event involves alcoholic beverages, civil servants must reject the invitation and report the matter to the authorities and their respective departments for further action," he added.

Adnan (above) did not define what was considered an unofficial feast or event, and whether personal private functions, such as weddings and festive celebrations, counted.

Respect religious sensitivities

Cuepacs also urged organisers of events that civil servants will be attending to respect religious sensitivities, especially since the majority of public officers were Muslim.

Criticism over the government being involved in events that serve alcohol arose over a dinner held in conjunction with Tourism Malaysia’s Global Travel Meet.

Photos from the event showed Tiong and other guests holding wine and beer glasses, causing widespread backlash including calls for Tiong’s resignation.

Tourism, Culture, and Arts Minister Tiong King Sing at the Global Travel Meet function

Responding to critics, Tiong denied that alcoholic beverages were served at a government-hosted dinner.

He later clarified that the government was originally supposed to host the event. However, following the success of the Global Travel Meet, private companies then took over the hosting and funding.

Tiong emphasised that his critics were welcome to inspect the event’s billings to verify that no taxpayers’ money was used on alcoholic beverages during the event.