KUALA LUMPUR – Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has reaffirmed that journalists have the right to ask any question in the course of their work, in accordance with the principles of transparency and mutual respect between the media and the government.
Fahmi’s comments came in the wake of an incident involving Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who was reported to have threatened a reporter after a question was raised regarding the use of English in a tourism project theme during an official event.
Fahmi explained that the matter was discussed during today’s Cabinet meeting, which was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
"I have spoken with the minister concerned about this issue, and he has provided an explanation," Fahmi said during his weekly press conference.
"At the Cabinet meeting, I made it clear that the government’s position is that journalists have the right to ask any question in the performance of their duties. Every answer from a minister must be delivered courteously, grounded in the principles of openness and mutual respect between the media and the government."
When questioned whether ministers were being advised to contact media organisations if dissatisfied with questions, Fahmi clarified that no such directive had been issued by the government.
"I expressed my view during the Cabinet meeting, emphasising that even the Prime Minister himself is open to receiving any questions. The government’s stance is clear: journalists have the right to ask any question," Fahmi stressed.
Asked whether the minister involved should apologise, Fahmi said he had been informed that the minister had committed to meeting with the management of the media organisation in question to resolve the issue.
"In my view, we should learn from past incidents," he said. "There is room for him to meet with Utusan Malaysia to personally convey his message, and I’ve been informed that he will do so."
The controversy surrounding the incident arose on October 29, when Nga allegedly threatened to call the chief editor of a reporter after being questioned about the use of English for a project theme launched as part of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
The incident drew strong condemnation from the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) and Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm).
In a related development, Kuala Lumpur’s Mayor, Datuk Maimunah Mohd Sharif, clarified that the use of English in the "I Lite U" theme was a marketing gimmick aimed at attracting international tourists.
"We’re not sidelining the national language. The approach in promoting the city and tourism is more creative," she explained.
"The name 'I Lite U' was chosen to create an international impact and be easy to remember."
Maimunah emphasised that the primary focus of the project was to beautify the capital through artistic lighting, rather than to engage in a debate over language.
"The goal is to make Kuala Lumpur brighter, safer, and more appealing, showcasing the city’s beauty to both domestic and international visitors," she added. - October 31, 2025
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