A heated exchange in the Dewan Rakyat has reignited debate over religious sensitivity and political decorum after Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming was criticised for repeatedly using Islamic expressions during a parliamentary speech.
The controversy arose while Nga was delivering his winding-up address on the progress of reviving abandoned housing projects under the PR1MA scheme. He highlighted the completion of the final stalled project in Bukit Katil, Melaka, marking the end of 34 such developments nationwide. In expressing gratitude and relief over the achievement, Nga used commonly heard Islamic phrases such as expressions of thankfulness and gratitude, including a reference to performing a prayer of thanks.
His remarks prompted an immediate interjection from PAS lawmaker Datuk Siti Zailah Yusoff, who questioned whether the Teluk Intan member’s choice of words was appropriate given his religious background. She raised concerns that the frequent and casual use of Islamic expressions by a non-Muslim could cause confusion among Muslims and risk trivialising phrases closely associated with Islamic belief. The issue, she cautioned, touched on sensitive religious sentiments that lawmakers had been repeatedly reminded to handle with care.
In response, Nga urged restraint and argued that the phrases in question were widely used in Malaysian society, particularly in Kelantan, where he was born and raised. He explained that such expressions originated from the Arabic language and were commonly understood as general statements of gratitude or hope, rather than exclusive religious declarations. He also stressed that excessive emotional reactions could undermine national unity and distract from shared achievements.
Nga further sought to defuse tensions by framing his remarks within Malaysia’s multicultural reality, suggesting that shared language and cultural familiarity should be seen as bridges rather than fault lines. He extended an olive branch by inviting his critic to attend his ministry’s upcoming Hari Raya open house as a gesture of goodwill and mutual understanding.
The episode quickly drew broader attention beyond the chamber, highlighting contrasting views within Malaysian society. Critics viewed Nga’s remarks as insensitive and inappropriate, arguing that religious expressions should not be used loosely by those outside the faith. Supporters, however, maintained that such phrases were part of everyday language in a multilingual country and should not be treated as exclusive or forbidden.
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