Overview
- Tengku Muhammad Taufik said he did not consume alcohol and acknowledged his “spur-of-the-moment” celebration was insensitive, taking full responsibility.
- PAS leaders and other politicians questioned his participation, with some urging government action over the conduct of a Muslim corporate figure on the F1 podium.
- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim separately rebuked the tourism minister after wine and beer were served at an Oct 1 government-linked event, reiterating a ban on alcohol at official functions.
- The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry pledged tighter compliance and monitoring following the prime minister’s warning.
- Petronas has been Mercedes’ title and technical partner since 2010, and the champagne spray is a long-standing F1 tradition, as wider alcohol-related controversies continue to surface in Malaysia, including a recent craft beer withdrawal.