Nga Apologises For Remarks Towards Reporter

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Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has apologised for his remarks towards a journalist during a recent press conference in Kuala Lumpur.
The DAP lawmaker said he respects the media’s freedom as well as the right to freedom of speech.
“If there are media friends who are offended by those words, I retract them and apologise so that we can focus on the effort to build our beloved homeland,” he told a press conference in Ipoh today.
On Thursday, Nga drew flak from press groups over his apparent intimidation of an Utusan Malaysia journalist who posed a question during the pre-launch of the “I Lite U” project, held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
In response to the reporter’s question on why the theme of the project was in English, Nga explained that it was best to use English at a tourism event to attract international tourists.
However, Nga also said that he would contact the Malay-daily’s chief editors, concerning the question posed.
“I don’t want you to come here and highlight something that will spoil the whole thing. I will call your chief editors,” he had told the reporter.
Willing to meet
In a Facebook post earlier today, Nga said that he had taken note of criticisms against him following allegations that he threatened the journalist.
“I am also aware that there may have been some oversight in this matter, and I accept it with an open heart,” he added.
The minister said he would like to engage with the affected party to resolve the matter.
“I deeply appreciate the presence and support of my media colleagues, who have consistently played an important role in conveying my ministry’s initiatives to the people, as they have always done.
“With humility, I am willing to meet with the media involved in the near future so that this matter can be resolved properly and amicably,” Nga added.
The National Union of Journalists Malaysia had said the minister’s actions were not only unwarranted but could be deemed as an attempt to intimidate and stifle press freedom.
Echoing its sentiments, Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) urged all parties, especially government leaders, to maintain decorum and respect reporters who are just doing their work.
Since the incident, which has triggered a series of police reports lodged against Nga by members of Bersatu’s young women’s wing, the minister has expressed his appreciation to the media.
Yesterday, the Housing and Local Government Ministry announced its upcoming Media Excellence Award dinner, an annual event since 2023. - Mkini

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