KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Media Council says it welcomes the government’s support for journalists’ right to ask pertinent questions without fear or threat.
In a statement today, the Council said it appreciates the government’s stance on the matter, conveyed through Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil following the Cabinet’s discussion.
It said Fahmi had reiterated the importance of safeguarding the rights and duties of journalists to question ministers and officials on matters of public interest — a principle fundamental to transparency and accountability.
The Council’s statement follows an earlier exchange between Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming and a journalist from Utusan Malaysia.
Nga was reported to have said, “I’ll remember that, and I’ll be calling your chief editors. I don’t want you coming here and ruining the event with such a question,” suggesting that he would contact the newspaper’s editors to lodge a complaint.
He has since apologised and retracted his comments.
The Council said such remarks could be perceived as a form of intimidation.
“It is the professional duty of journalists to ask questions and seek clarification on government policies, programmes and actions. It is also good journalistic practice to verify facts and clarify matters before publication,” it said.
It added that if a journalist was believed to have acted inappropriately while performing their duties, the proper course of action was for the aggrieved party to raise the matter with the publisher — and, if unresolved, to lodge a formal complaint with the Malaysian Media Council.
“While government representatives have the right to express their views, it is unbecoming of public officials to make statements that could be construed as threats or attempts to stifle media freedom,” it said.
The Council also noted positively that Nga had acknowledged his remarks, apologised and offered to meet the parties concerned to clear the air.
“The Council views such engagements as constructive and encourages open dialogue to resolve the matter,” it said.
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