Minister's crude response to MyKiosk criticism betrays the spirit of ‘Malaysia Madani'

The Star

22-05-2025

Datuk Dr Monna Ong Siew Siew, MCA Public Policy and People's Livelihood Research Advisory Committee Chairperson.
The recent crude and disparaging remarks made by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming regarding the MyKiosk programme compel a firm and reasoned response.
As a federal Cabinet Minister, Nga should uphold restraint, dignity, and responsibility. Yet, when addressing legitimate questions about MyKiosk, he resorted to coarse language and emotional personal attacks. This behaviour is unbecoming of his office, damages the government's credibility, and departs from the spirit of 'Malaysia Madani', which calls for civility, rationality and mutual respect.
In a democracy, differing political views are natural — but dialogue must always be grounded in respect. Disagreements should never descend into insults. The authority of a public servant is not measured by their rhetoric's sharpness, but by their ability to respond with facts, logic, and transparency. The higher one's office, the greater the duty to set a good example and help foster a more mature, inclusive political culture.
The MyKiosk initiative involves tens of millions of ringgit in taxpayer money. It is intended to support small traders and low-income groups. The questions raised about the programme's cost, procurement process, and execution are legitimate, necessary, and responsible — not attempts to create controversy. Oversight is essential for a functioning democracy, and public officials should welcome such scrutiny, not attempt to shut it down with mockery.
Unfortunately, Nga has blurred the line between scrutiny and hostility. Rather than respond with wisdom and composure, he has chosen humiliation and derision. This damages not only civil discourse but also weakens public trust in the institutions we rely on for good governance.
Let us be clear: when it comes to public welfare — especially policies affecting the everyday lives of the rakyat — scrutiny and transparency are non-negotiable. A mature, responsible government must answer to the people with facts and engage in open dialogue.
It is especially disappointing that Nga, who once demanded accountability as a vocal opposition MP, now resorts to rhetoric unbecoming of his position. This sets a poor example and risks misleading younger Malaysians about what responsible democracy looks like.
We must ask: Is raising concerns wrong? Is carrying out oversight unacceptable? In any healthy democracy, questioning public policies should never be met with disdain. True political maturity lies in embracing dissent, resolving disagreements with dialogue, and leading with humility and accountability.
This issue is not just about MyKiosk. It reflects the broader state of our political culture. If fair and reasoned scrutiny can be labelled as provocation and silenced with insults, how far are we from the ideals of 'Malaysia Madani'?
As a body dedicated to public policy and people's welfare, we have a responsibility to defend reason, uphold democratic values, and ensure public accountability. I urge all leaders — especially ministers — to choose their words with care, act with integrity, and never let personal emotion jeopardise public trust or tarnish our democratic institutions.
'Malaysia Madani' must be more than a slogan — it must be proven in every word, every policy, and every action taken in service of the people and the nation.
Datuk Dr Monna Ong Siew Siew,
MCA Public Policy and People's Livelihood Research Advisory Committee Chairperson