IPOH: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has apologised for rebuking a reporter during a media event in Kuala Lumpur which sparked widespread criticism.
“I accept all constructive criticism with an open heart. If any of our media friends were offended by my words, I retract them and sincerely apologise, so that we can refocus on rebuilding our beloved nation together,” he told a press conference at the launching of the Taman Boon Bak Madani recreational park here yesterday.
Nga said those who followed him over the past three decades would know that he had always respected media freedom and freedom of speech.
“So again, if anyone was hurt by my remarks, I withdraw them and apologise, because our focus must remain on nation building. That is what matters most. Let us move on,” he added.
On Thursday, Nga drew brickbats for reprimanding an Utusan Malaysia reporter at the pre-launch of the “I Lite U” lighting project after he was asked why the name of the programme was in English instead of Bahasa Malaysia.
Nga responded by asking the name of the reporter’s media company and said he would call his chief editors, adding that the project involved national interest.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) responded by saying it was unethical for the minister to hit out at a journalist during a press conference, calling it an attempt to intimidate the media.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said journalists have the right to question Cabinet ministers as part of their job, adding that ministers should accept queries and respond with decorum and openness.
Fahmi said he contacted Nga over the issue and the latter had explained.
At the event yesterday, Nga also announced that the “I Lite U” project would be introduced in Ipoh as part of preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026.
He said the initiative to illuminate and beautify selected parts of the city will receive a total allocation of RM2mil, to be borne by the ministry and Ipoh City Council (MBI).
He said the “I Lite U” Ipoh project will enhance the city’s appeal as a vibrant tourism destination, with the state capital having become one of the country’s most popular domestic tourism spots with nearly 10 million local and international visitors last year.
“However, the city needs about 13,000 hotel rooms and only has about 8,000. I encourage more investors to develop eco-friendly and sustainable hotels to support the growing tourism industry,” he said.
Nga said the ministry had also approved RM9mil for the new Pasir Puteh market here which was destroyed in a fire in February last year.
“The temporary market was completed with an allocation of RM1.425mil. The construction of the new market will begin next year,” he said.
He advised Ipoh folk to care for public amenities, following the recent damage at the newly-completed Taman Boon Bak park.
“The park, once overgrown with weeds, was transformed through MBI’s hard work. But just two weeks after completion, vandalism already occurred with screws on exercise equipment stolen,” he said.
Nga said a total of 216 similar parks under the ministry would be completed in various parts of the country by next month.
