Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz should have been more diplomatic in dealing with his Sarawakian counterpart Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah over the implementation of the tourism tax, said Foreign Affairs Minister Anifah Aman.

"Any problems or issues that touch on the people's sensitivities should be handled through discussions and by taking a more diplomatic approach," Anifah said in a statement today.

He added that such matters should be dealt with in a good manner to avoid hurting the feelings of Sarawakians and Sabahans.

He said Nazri's remarks comparing five-star hotels in East Malaysia to the ones in the Peninsular also should not have been made.

"Nazri is my friend, and as a friend, I advise him to take the first step in resolving this matter nicely," Anifah added.

The federal minister's remarks echo that of fellow cabinet member from Sabah Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Abdul Rahman Dahlan, who said the tourism tax issue should have been handled with a bit more tact...