Sorry should not be the hardest word

When Minister Nga Kor Ming calls a press conference, he should expect all kinds of questions.

Any seasoned politician would know queries range from predictable to provocative to silly.

If he dislikes the line of questioning, he could opt for a press release.

But like all politicians, nothing beats facing cameras and microphones under the lights.

The media is used to tackling condescending and intimidating politicians.

In my 40 years as a reporter, I have been put down and shut out.

I have been complained against and even threatened with death notes.

It does not matter what political party they are from.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.

At a recent public event, he challenged a reporter after a straightforward question.

The question was why a government slogan was in English rather than Bahasa Malaysia.

He explained that the I Lite You event targeted foreign tourists with Visit Malaysia Year starting in a month.

The DAP politician should have stopped there and smiled.

He could have asked the reporter to understand the reason.

But he seemed irritated and went on to make unnecessary comments.

The remarks sounded intimidating.

The backlash has been swift with the media taking a common stand.

The National Union of Journalists condemned the minister’s conduct as unethical intimidation of journalists.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil rightly said journalists have the right to ask questions.

He said ministers are expected to respond with courtesy and openness.

In this case, Nga has come across as brash and arrogant.

That is the last thing he would want, even if not his intention.

His defensive stance after the controversy has not helped.

He may think the Utusan Malaysia question was provocative but public figures must take them.

He should stop watching White House press conferences that resemble a media battlefield.

The principle is simple.

The press has a right and duty to ask questions.

Press conferences are not public relations exercises.

By threatening the reporter’s organisation, he has raised questions about press freedom.

He has also raised whether he can tolerate scrutiny.

His moment of weakness has been costly, reputational, political and governmental.

The DAP cannot talk about press freedom in opposition then shift in government.

It is a moment of weakness and it will blow over.

He should apologise for the oversight and move on.

To apologise is a strength, not a weakness.

Put ego aside to end the controversy.

He can show leadership by making a clear and genuine apology.

Nga’s plan to meet Utusan’s management is good.

He can explain the government’s tourism promotions.

Visit Malaysia Year 2026 needs every Malaysian, including the media.

We should adopt a wider world view for effective international marketing.

I believe Utusan would understand the rationale if properly explained.

Nga must turn a vulnerability into a strength and hold himself accountable.

He should re-emphasise that he values his relationship with the media.

Generally, Nga is accessible to the media and meets us regularly.

He explains why certain decisions are made and is actually friendly.

He needs to dispel negative perceptions.

He would not want racist opportunists to attack him and erode the government system.

Nga must reset the narrative and embrace humility, sincerity and action.

To err is human and to forgive is divine, as the saying goes.

My advice to Nga is this.

Sorry should not be the hardest word.