The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) reaffirmed that under the leadership of Minister Nga Kor Ming, it has always upheld and respected media freedom while recognising the vital role journalists play in delivering accurate and verified information to the public.
The ministry clarified that the press conference held for the launch of the City Lighting Innovation Project Towards Urban Sustainability in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, also known as “I LITE U” was intended to strengthen national tourism promotion efforts and attract international visitors to Malaysia’s capital by highlighting its unique and iconic features.
As part of its commitment to uphold the dignity of Bahasa Melayu as the national language, the ministry noted that the entire press conference, including speeches by the Minister and the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, was conducted in Malay.
KPKT expressed its appreciation for the contributions of both local and international media in providing coverage of the event and reaffirmed its respect for the freedom of journalists to ask questions. However, it also emphasised that those responding to such questions should be allowed space to address each inquiry properly, and that respectful clarification and fact-checking are important to ensure mutual understanding and accuracy in reporting.
Earlier in the week, an interaction at the I LITE U pre-launch drew public notice when a journalist questioned the use of English in the project’s branding. Minister Nga Kor Ming responded to the query during the session, and portions of the exchange later appeared online.
Following the incident, Minister Nga Kor Ming said he accepts all feedback regarding his remarks during the programme and withdraws any statements that may have caused confusion or upset among members of the media.
“Today, on this beautiful Sunday, I wholeheartedly welcome all feedback concerning my misstep during the Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur Lighting Programme,” he said.
“If any members of the media were offended by my remarks, I retract them and apologise, so that we can focus on efforts to rebuild our beloved nation,” he said at a press conference for the Madani Park opening ceremony at Taman Book Bak.
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