Don't intimidate reporters, press groups say following minister's remarks

Press groups are up in arms after a minister allegedly intimidated a journalist after being asked about the use of English for a tourism-related programme.

“Not only was it unwarranted, but it can be deemed as an attempt to intimidate and stifle press freedom in Malaysia.

“We must remember that the reporter was only doing his professional duty by asking questions politely during an official presser, which is in line with basic journalistic ethics,” said National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) secretary-general Teh Athira Mohamed Yusof in a statement today.

While they did not mention names, the criticism appeared to be directed at Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, during the pre-launch of the “I Lite U” project, in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

After being questioned by a reporter on why the theme of the project is in English, Nga explained that, as it was a tourism event, it was best to use English to attract international tourists.

However, Nga later told the Utusan Malaysia reporter that he would contact his chief editors in regard to 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 added.

Sending wrong message

Teh Athira said, as public servants, ministers should respect the media’s role in disseminating information instead of pressuring journalists just because they ask difficult questions.

She added that by saying that he would call the editors, the minister had sent a wrong and dangerous message, seemingly indicating that journalists should be punished for just doing their jobs.

“Any act to stifle media freedom would only undermine the government’s credibility and erode public trust,” Teh Athira said.

Echoing her sentiments, Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) urged all parties - especially government leaders - to maintain decorum and respect reporters who are just doing their work.

“Press freedom is not an enemy to a good government. It serves as a reminder to the government to improve.

“And journalists ask questions not to find fault but to ensure the people remain informed,” it said in a statement.

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