The statement by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Malaysia berating Housing and Local Government Minister YB Nga Kor Ming’s unethical and intimidating behaviour towards an Utusan Malaysia journalist warrants full public support. His public threat to “call the chief editors” over a simple question is unbecoming of a Cabinet Minister and represents a direct assault on press freedom and meddling into journalistic independence - the fourth pillar of democracy that serves as a vital check and balance against those in power.
The media undertakes a crucial role in conveying information to the public and holding public figures accountable. When a Minister uses his authority to intimidate a journalist or interfere in a newsroom’s operations, it crosses a dangerous line. Such behaviour not only demonstrates arrogance but also undermines the principles of transparency and accountability that the Pakatan coalition has long claimed to uphold.
Nga Kor Ming’s overreaction to a straightforward question, i.e. why a government programme was named in English instead of Malay, was totally unnecessary. Publicly reprimanding a journalist and threatening to contact his editors amounts to misuse of political power. This attempt to silence legitimate questioning is unacceptable and goes against democratic norms.
It is deeply disappointing that this comes from a senior DAP leader, a Deputy Chairman. The DAP has long portrayed itself as a defender of press freedom. Meanwhile, the Pakatan Harapan GE2022 Kita Boleh Action Plan pledged to “strengthen democracy” and protect freedom of expression. More specifically, Point 17 of the Kita Boleh pledge promises to “protect media freedom and promote free speech.” Nga’s actions completely contradict those commitments and expose the hypocrisy of a government that talks reform but practises repression.
As the saying goes, “the pen is mightier than the sword.” True enough, here we have a Cabinet Minister who fears a reporter’s pen more than he respects his professional duty. By threatening to “call the editors”, Nga Kor Ming has directly interfered with media independence - a blatant breach of Pakatan’s Kita Boleh pledge and a stain on his ministerial integrity.
MCA stands with NUJ and the entire media fraternity in defending press freedom. A free and independent press is not the enemy of government. Rather, it is the guardian of democracy and the voice of the masses. Any attempt to silence or intimidate journalists is an attack on democracy itself.
DATUK DR MAH HANG SOON
MCA deputy president
