Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching has called on all parties, particularly government employees, to steer clear of using inappropriate or discourteous language when making statements to the public. Speaking in Putrajaya on June 15, she stressed the importance of maintaining professional standards in official communication.
Teo also highlighted the need to sidestep matters involving race, religion and royalty (3R) in public discourse. "My advice to everyone is not to use inappropriate language and to avoid 3R issues, not only during election campaigns but at all times," she stated following the opening of an industry dialogue on journalism standards.
Her remarks came in response to scrutiny facing Department of Community Communications (J-KOM) director-general Mohd Hisyamuddin Ghazali, who has faced allegations of using unsuitable phrasing in his official pronouncements since taking on the role in early June. Mohd Hisyamuddin succeeded Datuk Ismail Yusop in the position on June 9.
Teo acknowledged that she had not yet met personally with Mohd Hisyamuddin to share her guidance directly. Her comments underscored broader expectations for professional conduct among government communicators, emphasizing that such standards should apply consistently regardless of the political calendar.
