ALOR STAR: Kedah Umno urged the government to avoid missteps, such as the omission of mosques in the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) promotional teaser video, stressing that such mistakes could spark controversy.
Information chief Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin said today while the oversight was likely unintentional, similar incidents must be prevented.
He said such omissions could be exploited by some people to tarnish the government's image.
"Kedah Umno calls on all promotional efforts to take into account sensitivities in accordance with the constitution."
Shaiful said political opportunism and manipulation could become entrenched in the political landscape if they were not addressed.
"This culture, if allowed to persist, will divert attention from the key priorities, which are policymaking and ensuring the best outcomes for the people and the nation."
Meanwhile, Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Perkasa) information chief Irwan Fahmi Idris raised concerns about the clip's failure to feature Islamic symbols such as mosques.
He urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to reassess the performance of Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, claiming the latter's actions had projected Malaysia in an unfavourable light.
The controversy stemmed from a 41-second promotional video uploaded on Tourism Malaysia's Facebook page.
While highlighting tourist destinations, it omitted mosque visuals, leading to criticism.
Tiong yesterday said that mosque architecture would be featured in a more comprehensive VM2026 promotional video.
He said the 41-second montage was intended only as a brief launch video.