UCSI University professor Tajuddin Rasdi has commended housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming for his “magnanimous” apology for his remarks against a reporter that drew backlash last week.
“In Islam, those willing to yield to avoid escalating conflicts, even if they are in the right, are considered among the best in the eyes of God,” Tajuddin told FMT.
He said that in misunderstandings involving race, religion or national symbols, Malaysians should always be ready to apologise.
Nga was severely criticised for reprimanding an Utusan Malaysia reporter at the pre-launch of his ministry’s “I Lite U” project in Kuala Lumpur after being asked why the programme’s name was in English and not in Malay.
The DAP minister responded by saying he would contact the reporter’s editors because the question concerned “national interests”.
Following public backlash, Tajuddin had advised Nga to apologise, saying the incident was a misunderstanding that could be quickly resolved.
At a press conference on Nov 2, Nga said he never meant to offend anyone, and retracted his remarks.
