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HOUSING and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has issued a public apology to members of the media over remarks he made during a lighting event in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, which were said to have offended some journalists.
Nga said he accepted all criticism with an open heart and reiterated his respect for media freedom and the right to free expression, adding that he would take the feedback as a lesson.
“As someone who respects press freedom and freedom of speech, I take all the comments in good faith. If any of my friends in the media were hurt or upset by my words, I retract them and apologise.
“I want all of us to refocus our energy on rebuilding this beloved nation,” he told reporters after officiating the opening of Padang Madani at Taman Boon Bak here on Sunday.
Nga said that throughout his nearly 30 years in politics, he had always valued the vital role journalists play in informing the public.
“Those who know me understand that I have great respect for the media. I hope this matter will not be blown out of proportion and that we can all move on for the betterment of the country,” he said.
A video of Nga responding sharply to a reporter’s question about the use of English in the event’s title had gone viral, drawing criticism from various quarters, including the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) and the Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm).
In a separate development, Nga announced several new allocations for projects around Ipoh, including RM9 million for the construction of the new Pasir Putih Market and RM2 million for a city lighting initiative under the ‘I Lite U Ipoh’ programme.
He said both projects were part of the Housing and Local Government Ministry’s (KPKT) ‘Sentuhan Kasih’ initiative to boost tourism in anticipation of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
“This park (Taman Boon Bak) is one of 216 public parks being completed nationwide. I urge residents to care for these public amenities and avoid acts of vandalism.
“Damaging public property only results in additional costs for the local authorities,” he added. -November 2, 2025
