PETALING JAYA: Tourism Malaysia director-general Ammar Abd Ghapar was demoted to deputy director-general after having been given many chances to step up his performance, says tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing.
Clarifying that Ammar was not fired, Tiong said both he and his deputy had given Ammar much advice and asked for his views for what was best for the nation’s tourism industry.
“I don’t know if he had no ideas, or did not know how to execute them. But if you cannot perform, you must be switched out. I did not fire him, I only demoted him,” he said on the sidelines of an event here today.
“When the former director-general retired, (Ammar) was not at the top of the list of suggestions from the ministry, but I gave him a chance because he had a PhD in tourism (hotel and tourism management). But his execution of his duties did not (reflect his qualification).”
Tiong said the various state governments had complained about Ammar’s lack of engagement as well.
“(His demotion) had nothing to do with race. Since he could not perform, I demoted him to give other people a chance.”
Ammar confirmed his removal from the post yesterday, stating that he had received a letter from Tiong in the morning.
He said the letter stated that his removal is effective on Feb 26, but it did not state his next position.
“I have no intention of going against any directive or instructions given to me, but I feel very frustrated and sad. I think that after serving (the ministry) for 36 years, I should not be treated this way,” he said.
Ammar, who was appointed the director-general in April last year, is set to retire in March 2025.
