PUTRAJAYA: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has met media representatives for breakfast days after getting criticism for reprimanding a reporter who questioned him at a press conference.
The informal session, held at his ministry here, brought together representatives from key media bodies, including the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM), Malaysian Media Council and Gerakan Media Merdeka Malaysia.
In brief remarks, Nga said the Madani government prioritised media freedom and had no intention of sidelining journalists.
“A close and trusting relationship between the ministry and the media was essential to ensure government policies and initiatives were communicated in a more inclusive and effective manner,” he said in a post published on the ministry’s Facebook page on Monday (Nov 3).
He said the session also served as an open platform for discussions and idea-sharing to strengthen collaboration between both sides in advancing the Madani agenda for the rakyat’s well-being and national prosperity.
Among those present were NUJ Malaysia president Low Boon Tat, secretary-general Teh Arthira and the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Wira Nor Azman Taib.
On Thursday (Oct 30), Nga faced criticism for reprimanding a reporter during the pre-launch of the “I Lite U” project after he was allegedly asked why the programme’s name was in English instead of Malay.
He later publicly apologised for his comments on Sunday (Nov 2).
“I accept all constructive criticism with an open heart.
“If any of our media friends were offended by my words, I retract them and sincerely apologise, so that we can refocus on rebuilding our beloved nation together,” he reportedly said.
