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.
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