KUALA LUMPUR, October 31 — The National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) and Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) have strongly condemned the actions of a cabinet minister seen reprimanding and allegedly threatening an Utusan Malaysia journalist in a viral video.
The incident occurred during the press launch of the “I Lite U” project, when the reporter asked why the programme’s name was in English instead of Bahasa Malaysia. The minister’s response — including remarks about “calling the chief editor” — has been criticised as an attempt to intimidate the press and undermine media freedom.
NUJ emphasized that journalists have the right to ask questions in the public interest and should not face threats for doing so. It reminded that politicians, like journalists, must uphold ethical standards and respect the media’s role as the voice of the people.
Geramm echoed the sentiment, warning that hostility toward reporters fosters fear and erodes democratic accountability. Both organisations called on government leaders to view media freedom as a pillar of transparency, not a threat to authority, urging ministers to engage respectfully with journalists rather than resorting to intimidation.
