Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil asserted that every journalist has the right to ask any question to a minister while carrying out their duties and they should be treated professionally.
Fahmi Fadzil emphasized that the government’s stance is very clear, as no specific instructions have been issued to any member of the government administration regarding relations with journalists.
Accordingly, all ministers are reminded to always be open to answering questions from the media.
“And every answer and response given by the minister must be delivered carefully and based on the principles of relationship while maintaining mutual respect between the media and the government,” said Fahmi.
“I state the stance based on the fact that the Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim himself, is open to receiving any questions,” he added during the post-Cabinet meeting press conference today.
Fahmi made the remarks when commenting on media questions regarding a statement by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming during the pre-launch ceremony of the “I Lite U” project held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 recently.
At the press conference, Kor Ming had been asked why the programme used the English language, not the National Language.
Initially, he explained that it was a tourism event, hence the use of English was more suitable to attract international tourists.
Kor Ming then questioned the concerned reporter about the media outlet they worked for. When the journalist said they were from Utusan Malaysia, the minister, with a serious face, said he would contact the newspaper’s chief editor regarding the question asked.
Elaborating further, Fahmi said that Minister of Housing and Local Government Nga Kor Ming has expressed his readiness to hold a meeting with the management of Utusan Malaysia newspaper.
He said that Kor Ming made the statement during a meeting at the Cabinet meeting held today.
