Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan today said he will take legal action against Malaysiakini .

This is in regard to his comments on "reverse migration", which he claimed were reported out of context.

Specifically, he cited the video by KiniTV showing a footage of his remarks on "reverse migration" and comments by respondents surveyed.

" Malaysiakini chose to upload a Voxpop video of the public regarding my 'reverse migration' statement which has been edited, without giving the real context behind my answers.

"This incomplete statement gives the impression that I am insensitive and had insulted urban dwellers to the point it became a joke on social media to insult me," he told a press conference in Putrajaya today.

The press conference was called to announce that he is taking legal action against the news portal and to clarify what he meant.

Abdul Rahman at a press conference on Nov 3 said he was asked by a reporter on the rising cost of living which could drive urban dwellers to move back to the kampung (villages).

His answer, he said, was that the concept of "reverse migration" can lessen the stresses on the urban system, which has become taxed due to an accelerated rate of rural to urban migration.

"All over the world, governments support the concept of 'reverse migration' or at least work towards slowing the process of urban migration to lessen stresses like environmental pollution, traffic congestion, public transport, cost of living and joblessness in the city," he pointed out.

He also said that the rural areas are no longer what they used to be, and are now fully equipped with basic necessities.

He urged those who want to migrate back to the kampung to practise gardening.

He also called for urban dwellers to practise community gardening.

" Malaysiakini has also, on purpose, not reported on my urging urban developers to prepare an area in balconies of apartments so that urban dwellers can plant vegetables like chilli," he said.

He said this is part of the core ideas which will improve the sustainability of city.

"Following that Voxpop video, I have once again become the victim of public ridicule who were not fully informed by Malaysiakini .

"Even though online media is very close to my heart, but what was done by Malaysiakini has crossed the lines of ethical journalism and damaged my reputation.

"As such, I have instructed my lawyers to start taking legal action against Malaysiakini .

"Let this action of mine be a reminder that online media should be more professional, uncompromising on facts and without intention to insult," he said.

Respondents showed full recording

KiniTV's video showed a Malaysiakini reporter showing respondents an Astro Awani recording of Abdul Rahman's Nov 3 press conference.

The respondents were shown the Astro Awani recording in full, before asked what they thought of the minister's suggestions.

The published KiniTV video included an excerpt of the Astro Awani recording along with comments from respondents.

At the Nov 3 press conference, the minister was asked if more city dwellers might consider moving out of urban areas due to the rising cost of living.

“ Alhamdulillah . Reverse migration. That is what I want. Too many people are moving into the cities right now,” he said.

“The stresses to the urban systems like housing, hospitals, farming, traffic jams, pollution; all this will be eased if people want to go back and plant corn and chilli in their kampung.

“If they want to migrate back to the kampung, I will be the happiest urban well-being minister in the world,” he had declared.

The Astro Awani recording did not include the minister's comments on "community gardening" or urging urban developers to prepare land for it.

Although Abdul Rahman is only taking legal action against Malaysiakini now, the minister said he is reserving his right to take legal action against other news portal which "damaged his reputation".

Toll remark misinterpreted

The minister was also reported by The Malay Mail Online to have urged motorists to leave earlier to work so they can take alternative routes and avoid tolls.

Abdul Rahman today said he had been misinterpreted.

"My answer (on waking up earlier) during the press conference had been misinterpreted, causing the public to think that I was urging those who don't want to pay tolls to wake up earlier.

"Following that, I was exposed to the anger and insults from the public, especially from netizens," he said.

Abdul Rahman said he merely pointed out that there are always alternative routes without tolls that can be used.

He had then elaborated on his answer , saying those who chose alternative routes might be faced with bad traffic and thus, might need to invest more time into their commute.

Kenyataan MediaAbdul Rahman Dahlan Menteri Kesejahteraan Bandar, Perumahan & Kerajaan Tempatan November 25, 2015 ...

Posted by Dato' Abdul Rahman Dahlan on Tuesday, 24 November 2015