KUALA LUMPUR: National Journalism Laureate Tan Sri Johan Jaafar said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming’s recent rebuke of a reporter could strain ties between the government and the media,
Sinar Harian reported.
He said the incident contradicted the open and tolerant approach towards journalists emphasised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Johan said ministers should not use their authority to intimidate members of the press and must instead respect journalism as a vital profession in a democratic society.
He urged the Teluk Intan MP to apologise to the reporter involved and the wider media community for what he described as an inappropriate display of conduct.
Johan said journalists have every right to ask questions and leaders should respond in a measured and respectful manner, without resorting to threats.
He was referring to Nga’s reaction when an Utusan Malaysia reporter asked why the name of the ‘I Lite U’ city lighting project was in English instead of Malay.
Johan, a former Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka chairman, also criticised the use of English for a national campaign slogan, saying it was unnecessary and misplaced in promoting Visit Malaysia 2026.
