03-Nov-23 17:00

Dr Sophie Lemière, Fellow at CSIS Washington DC & Director, SoCo

In Parliament on Oct 16, Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin raised the issue of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing dancing and drinking in public, referencing an old viral video of him socialising at a lantern festival in Pelangai. The minister responded saying there was no issue with him drinking alcohol as he is not a Muslim, and that his actions do not reflect on his performance as a minister. We discuss public perception of politicians' behaviour, where the line is between the personal and professional, and why there tends to be more judgement when a politician is seen "letting loose".

Image Credits: Shutterstock