Minister defends action at KLIA, wants MCMC to probe officers who leaked photos

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing today admitted to going to the arrival hall of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to intervene on behalf of a foreign citizen detained by immigration authorities.

In a statement, he also attacked immigration officers at the airport, accusing them of corruption and power abuse.

Tiong, who is a GPS MP, urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to investigate how photos of him during the incident were leaked to the public, saying he was certain it was an inside job.

"Why spread photos with inaccurate perception and news that is defamatory in nature?" he asked, saying MCMC must investigate "officials who slander and spread false information".

He accused the officers who leaked the pictures of being worried that their "source of income" was threatened.

"Maybe they want to protect their friends by deliberately leaking information, making baseless accusations and spreading fake information," he added.

News outlet BebasNews reported yesterday that a federal minister had breached the arrival hall at KLIA upon knowing that a female Chinese national was barred from entering the country.

"When obstructed, he used his ministerial powers and berated the KLIA auxiliary police and immigration officers for wanting to rescue the Chinese female citizen who was detained upon arrival in the country yesterday," said the report, which was accompanied by blurred photographs of the unnamed minister and the foreigner during the incident.

The report further said it was the third such interference by the minister at the airport.

Tiong also denied the allegations accusing him of releasing detained foreign tourists held by immigration authorities. 

"I don't have such power, and it would only damage my own reputation if I do so. I'm still rational and aware of my limits as the tourism, arts and culture minister. 

"What's the point of being a minister if I don't give serious attention to the interests of Malaysia, especially when it affects the image of the country and frightens foreign tourists? If we're not serious about this issue now, it will never be resolved," he said. 

During his visit to KLIA, Tiong said he was informed that immigration officers allegedly asked for money if detained foreign tourists wanted to be released. 

"Some were asked up to RM3,000 to be released from custody, including a return ticket to their home country. 

"An additional RM3,000 was required if they wanted to return to their home country through a 'special lane' and an expedited process, while RM12,000 was needed for visa processing costs," he said.

Tiong meanwhile urged the public to verify the authenticity of any news before spreading it, adding that he was confident that Malaysia could be cleared of leakages tarnishing its image if everyone worked together.

"The ministry of tourism, arts and culture will continue to stand together with the prime minister to eradicate corruption and power abuse in the country, no matter what challenges may come."