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HOUSING and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming should be more mindful in using Islamic religious terms in public discourse, as the usage could deepen sensitivities and strain inter-communal relations in Malaysia’s multi-religious society, said an ex-MCA leader.
In a Facebook post, Ti Lian Ker questioned whether Nga was prepared to be perceived through contentious religious classifications, arguing that as a minister, the DAP man should ground his arguments primarily in legal and constitutional principles rather than religious references.
“As a minister who upholds the rule of law and the supremacy of the Constitution, his main reference should be the law itself,” Ti said.
He urged Nga to adhere to the principles of the Rukun Negara—particularly the Rule of Law and the Supremacy of the Constitution—as a means of fostering unity and harmony among Malaysians.
While acknowledging that in some Middle Eastern contexts, non-Muslims may freely quote Islamic texts or use religious terminology, Ti stressed that Malaysia’s socio-political landscape is markedly different.
“Given this reality, the frequent use of Islamic quotations and terms by YB Nga Kor Ming inevitably carries political implications and emotional weight,” he said.
Ti advised the minister to exercise greater caution, particularly when using terms derived from the Qur’an or Islamic rituals, and to rely instead on clear, precise, and neutral legal language to communicate policy positions effectively while respecting constitutional boundaries.
“Religious sensitivity in Malaysia is of paramount importance and must be handled with the utmost decorum and respect,” he said.
However, Ti stated that Nga is legally and constitutionally entitled to use such expressions, but argued that the repeated use of Islamic terminology by a DAP minister has created discomfort among segments of the Malay community, given the party’s historical political background.
He said some members of the public have grown weary of what they perceive as a dismissive or cavalier approach.
“This perception is further reinforced when the usage appears excessive—sometimes even more so than that of Muslim politicians themselves,” he said.
He then urged Nga to give serious consideration to public perceptions and sensitivities, emphasising that good intentions must be balanced against the need to preserve harmony and emotional stability. – February 9, 2026