Nga Kor Ming’s Outburst: A Lesson in Respect for the Media

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1, 2025: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has found himself in hot water after scolding a Utusan Malaysia journalist for asking why the “I Lite U” project — launched for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 — was named in English instead of Bahasa Malaysia.

Rather than giving a simple explanation, Nga demanded to know which media outlet the journalist represented and warned that he would be contacting Utusan’s chief editor. His comments, caught on video, spread quickly online — and not in a flattering way.

Critics, including UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, accused Nga of hypocrisy, pointing out that when he was in the opposition, he spoke loudly about media freedom. Now, as a minister, he seemed easily offended by a fair question. PAS leaders also reminded Nga that a recent government circular requires the use of Bahasa Malaysia in all official communication.

Academician Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Murad Merican of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC), International Islamic University Malaysia, urged the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) to intervene.

“The MMC cannot ignore its duty to protect the journalism profession. Otherwise, it would be deemed negligent. The Council has moral authority in addressing intimidation against journalists. If it wishes to be firm — as it should — it must remind those involved of Section 503 of the Penal Code,” he said.

Meanwhile, two National Journalism Laureattes have joined the growing calls urging Nga to apologise for his conduct towards the journalist.

National Journalism Laureatte Datuk Kadir Jasin called on the journalist to lodge a complaint to the MMC. Kadir, who is former group editor-in-chief of the New Straits Times Press said disagreements between public figures - particularly politicians - and journalists are counterproductive and should be avoided.

He said the incident could have been avoided if Nga had acted professionally and refrained from threatening to complain about the Malay journalist to their editor.

"If you are afraid of being questioned by journalists, don't hold a press conference or grant interviews, especially with television reporters," he said in a Facebook post recently.

National Journalism Laureate Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar called on Nga to apologise to the journalist and the wider media fraternity, describing the minister’s reaction as 'regrettable' and reflected poorly on the government's relationship with the media.

"Journalists have the right to ask any question, and as a minister, Nga Koh Ming should have responded in a reasonable and respectable manner. The way he reacted to such a simple and non-provocative question was disappointing and unbecoming of a leader," he said.

"Ministers must not be seen using their power or position to bully or intimidate journalists. They should respect the institution of the press — not question or threaten it,” he said.

At its core, this incident goes beyond a mere language issue. It is about respect for the media and accountability in leadership. Journalists are simply doing their job when they ask tough questions — and true leaders are defined not by how they handle praise, but by how they respond to scrutiny.

Malaysia Needs More Than a Gimmick to Shine

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1, 2025: The controversy surrounding the “I LITE U” slogan for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) has sparked debate far beyond the choice of language. While much of the public attention has centred on the minister’s overreaction to a journalist’s question, the deeper issue lies in what the slogan says — and doesn’t say — about how Malaysia wishes to present itself to the world.

At its core, “I LITE U” is not grammatically correct English. It borrows from the informal style of text messaging, replacing “light” with “lite” and “you” with “U.” This shorthand may sound playful or modern, but it also feels superficial. For a campaign that represents the entire nation, the message should resonate universally and clearly, without the need for explanation or translation.

According to Kuala Lumpur’s Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif, the name is a creative marketing gimmick derived from the words Innovative, Lighting, Infrastructure, Towards, Eco-Elegance and Urbanisation. She explained that it was chosen to spark curiosity and to symbolise the city’s ambition to become a vibrant, sustainable, and smart metropolis that dazzles after dark. There is no denying the cleverness behind the acronym — but cleverness alone is not communication.

Tourism branding is more than just a tagline; it is an emotional promise. “Malaysia Truly Asia”, launched in 1999, succeeded not because it was linguistically catchy, but because it carried truth and warmth. It told the world, in just three words, that Malaysia was the meeting point of Asia’s cultures — Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous — and that this harmony was something to experience. It was rooted in identity, not trend.

“I LITE U,” in contrast, feels detached from Malaysia’s cultural core. Its appeal depends heavily on visuals — glowing lights, neon colours, cityscapes — which may work for promoting Kuala Lumpur’s nightlife, but not for the country’s broader tourism narrative. What about our lush rainforests, serene islands, traditional villages, and rich heritage? A slogan that fits the nation’s story should evoke the sense of discovery and hospitality that travellers feel when they meet Malaysians, not just the buzz of an LED-lit skyline.

Malaysia’s tourism brand must balance modernity with authenticity. There is room for creativity — but it must rest on substance. Alternatives such as “Light Up Your Journey – Terangi Perjalananmu” or “Experience Malaysia in a New Light – Alami Malaysia Dalam Cahaya Baharu” convey a similar visual theme while grounding it in emotional meaning. They speak of renewal, discovery, and personal connection — values that today’s travellers seek in a post-pandemic world.

A slogan like “Light Up Your Journey” invites the traveller to be part of Malaysia’s story. It positions the country not merely as a destination to visit, but as an experience that enriches and illuminates one’s own life. It is welcoming, poetic, and bilingual — a reflection of Malaysia’s linguistic and cultural inclusiveness.

Tourism Malaysia has long shown that campaigns rooted in genuine storytelling create lasting impact. Visitors do not come because of clever acronyms; they come because they feel something. In that sense, Malaysia doesn’t need to “lite” anyone. It already shines — through its people, its diversity, and its enduring warmth. What the world needs is simply a reminder of that light.