SHAH ALAM - The National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) has criticised a minister for allegedly threatening a journalist during a recent press conference, describing the act as an attempt to intimidate and suppress press freedom in the country.
Its general secretary Teh Athira Mohd Yusof said ministers should not threaten journalists carrying out their duties with politically charged accusations, stressing that both journalists and politicians were equally bound by ethical conduct.
"Just as journalists are bound by ethics, politicians must also recognise that they too are obligated to act ethically," she said in a statement.
She said the union took seriously the actions of a minister who allegedly attempted to summon the editor of Malay daily Utusan Malaysia after one of its journalists asked a question during a recent press conference.
"Such conduct is not only inappropriate but is also seen as an attempt to intimidate and suppress media freedom in Malaysia. The journalist had asked the question in a polite and orderly manner, adhering to professional ethics," she said.
She said said based on information from the ground, the journalist had simply asked a question about the use of Bahasa Melayu, a straightforward matter that could have been easily addressed by the government.
She added that there was no intent to provoke or disrupt national interests or public order.
"The act of calling an editor to ‘give an explanation’ about a journalist’s question during a press conference clearly sends the wrong and dangerous message, as though journalists should be punished for performing their duties honestly and responsibly.
"As a public servant, a minister should respect the role of the media as a conveyor of information and the voice of the people, rather than belittling or pressuring journalists simply because a question posed may be uncomfortable to answer," she said.
She described the incident as a form of intimidation that must never be tolerated, stressing that press freedom should remain one of the key pillars of the Madani Government’s administration.
She added that safeguarding media freedom should be a central priority for the current government, especially with the recent establishment of the Malaysian Media Council.
She said the union also reaffirmed its commitment to upholding journalists’ rights and independence.
"NUJM reiterates that every journalist has a responsibility to ask questions, investigate and report with integrity; free from political interference or fear of retaliation. Any action that restricts media freedom will only damage the government’s credibility and erode public trust.
"We urge all parties, especially ministers and political leaders, to respect the role of the media and to refrain from using their positions to pressure journalists or media organisations," she added.
Although NUJM did not name the minister involved, the statement followed a video showing Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming reprimanding an Utusan Malaysia journalist during a press conference.
The exchange reportedly took place during the pre-launch of the "I Lite U" project yesterday, held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
At the press conference, Nga was asked why the programme was conducted in English instead of the national language.
At first, he explained that it was a tourism event, therefore using English was more suitable to attract international tourists.
However, he then asked which media outlet the journalist represented.
After the journalist replied, "Utusan Malaysia", Nga responded: "I will remember that and I will be calling your chief editors. I do not want you coming here and ruining the event with such a question. I will hold Utusan Malaysia accountable, I will call your chief editors because this concerns national interest."