IPOH: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming apologises to media and retracts his remark.

‘I retract the remark and apologise if I have hurt the media.

“I respect press freedom and freedom of speech all the time. I want to focus on nation-building and let’s move on from here, thank you, ” said Nga in a press conference.

He was explaining the “I Lite U Ipoh”  project and the ministry’s upcoming events in the press conference and apologised before ending the press conference today.

He left without taking further questions.

Nga was urged by the media and The Editors’ Association of Chinese Medium of Malaysia over his remark “I will call your editor-in-chief” when he was asked a question on “I Lite You” by Utusan Malaysia reporter.

 The Utusan Malaysia reporter had purportedly asked why the name of the “I Lite U” initiative was in English instead of Malay Language during the pre-launch of the project in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on Thursday.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Editors’ Association of Chinese Medium of Malaysia said the association was concerned about the intimidating remark made by Nga for disagreeing with the question asked by a journalist.

The respond made by Nga – “I will call your editor-in-chief” had undermined the professionalism and dignity of journalists, said the association.

The association expressed regret and said that no one, including a minister, should respond to media questions in such manner as the reporter was merely carrying out his professional duty and deserved respect and acceptance.

Therefore, retracting the remark and offering an apology would be the best way to resolve the controversy swiftly.

“When media-government interactions are built on mutual respect and understanding, it does not only enhance the quality of public communication but also strengthen society’s trust in both the government and the media,” it said.

The association urges the minister to meet with the Utusan Malaysia editorial team as soon as possible to defuse the public relations crisis.

The association further said that while any interviewee has the right to respond, the tone and manner of response require wisdom and tact — for sometimes, excessive tone harms others and oneself.

The Tourism industry in Malaysia has been successfully promoted under the “Malaysia Truly Asia” campaign, and the new “I Lite U” slogan, used to illuminate the Golden Triangle in Kuala Lumpur, was not wrong and its goal of attracting more tourists is commendable, it said.

However, the association said that had the minister responded to journalists with humility and courtesy, the outcome would have been entirely different.