DEPUTY Chairman of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), Nga Kor Ming, has come out in full support of two leading media organisations—Sinar Harian and Sin Chew Daily—following the RM100,000 fines imposed on them by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), urging authorities to show restraint and respect for press freedom.
Nga, who is also the Minister of Housing and Local Government, said that while mistakes may happen, the response must be measured, especially when the errors are unintended and promptly addressed.
"Forgiveness is a noble value. In cases of unintentional error, guidance and compassion are often more effective in correcting mistakes," he said in a statement.
He added that both media outlets had acted swiftly to rectify their editorial missteps. “Upon realising their mistake, Sinar Harian immediately issued an apology over the misreporting of the Inspector-General of Police’s biography. Sin Chew Daily also promptly published a public apology for the unintended flag error and suspended the staff involved,” he noted.
The fines stemmed from a graphic by Sinar Harian that erroneously represented the biography of the new Inspector-General of Police, and a separate incident involving Sin Chew Daily’s publication of an incomplete image of the Malaysian flag, the Jalur Gemilang.
However, the penalties have stirred widespread unease across media circles and civil society. The Malaysian Media Council (MMC) warned that such punitive action could lead to a chilling effect, cultivating fear and excessive self-censorship among journalists and editors.
Political parties and senior figures have also waded into the debate. PAS criticised MCMC’s move as "excessive" and akin to “bullying the media,” while National Journalism Laureate A. Kadir Jasin cautioned that such actions could erode public trust in the Madani government, undermining its professed reformist spirit.
Nga echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Such measures may weaken the principle of inclusivity and challenge freedom of expression in this country. It is unjust to impose severe penalties for honest mistakes that were swiftly corrected, especially when similar offences by others go unpunished.”
He further praised the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), led by the Pakatan Harapan coalition, for demonstrating a more constructive approach in a recent incident involving the Malaysian flag being displayed upside down by a member of the public.
“MBPP showed maturity and goodwill by correcting the issue without confrontation—an approach that should serve as a model nationwide,” said Kor Ming.
“Malaysia is a country grounded in the rule of law and civility. Our Rukun Negara upholds these values. The foundation of our nation rests on diversity, inclusivity, compassion and openness,” he continued.
He concluded that only through open-mindedness and tolerance can Malaysians “build a more harmonious and mature society,” adding that the government must protect—not penalise—the pillars of democratic discourse. - September 21, 2025
