AN MCA leader has slammed Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming over the latter’s statement that Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki is welcome to “have tea” at his ministry to further discuss the MyKiosk 2.0 project.
Describing Nga’s statement as “disconcerting”, the party’s information chief Chan Quin Er said it “should not be brushed off as a flippant remark” and that the statement demeans the country’s national institutions.
“Despite being confronted with serious public concern over the inflated costs of the MyKiosk programme, Nga opted to respond minus any shred of accountability or transparency, but with mockery,” she said in a statement.
“Let’s be clear: this is not just about a figure of speech. As someone who has served as a Deputy Public Prosecutor at the Attorney General’s Chambers, I am aware how vital it is to protect the integrity of our national institutions.
“When a minister implies that the chief of our anti-corruption agency can be summoned like a subordinate for a chat over tea, it sends a chilling message—that ministers see themselves above independent oversight. That is not only wrong; it’s dangerous.”
On Tuesday (May 20) Nga said his ministry is fully open to being investigated by the MACC over public concerns surrounding the MyKiosk 2.0 project that was initially launched to provide street vendors with suitable trading spaces.
The MACC’s potential involvement follows growing public scrutiny over claims of inflated kiosk prices under the MyKiosk 2.0 programme.
Concerns about the project’s effectiveness have also been raised, with reports indicating that many kiosks remained unused due to impractical locations and inadequate facilities.
According to Chan, who is also the Wanita MCA secretary-general, Nga as a Cabinet minister needs to set an example but instead, his response to allegations of public fund mismanagement “reeks of sarcasm and annoyance”.
“Taxpayers are asking how their funds are being spent, but in return, they get political theatrics. This does not build trust—it breaks it,” she continued.
“MCA’s concerns are not just about political rivalry. It’s about respect—for public office, for institutions like the MACC, and most importantly, for Malaysians.
“Nga’s remark is not only a personal failure of professionalism, but it also reflects poorly on the government he represents. If we want Malaysians to believe in the credibility of their leaders and institutions, we cannot let these kinds of comments go unchecked.”
Chan said what truly damages the government’s image is not MCA’s criticism but Nga’s dismissive attitude in the face of serious allegations which further undermines public confidence far more than any opposition statement ever could.
“We urge Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to take this matter seriously. This is not about political points—it’s about restoring faith in governance.
“Ministers must know that their words carry weight. If they are unable to uphold the dignity of their office, then the credibility of the entire administration is at stake. Malaysians deserve leaders who respond to scrutiny with answers, not mock invitations for tea,” she added.
On May 20, Nga had also mentioned that 2,798 kiosks were taken up at a rate of 87.74% under MyKiosk 1.0, and 2,653 units at a rate of 65.44% under MyKiosk 2.0. He added that Johor has 1,185 kiosks, the highest among all states.
He said MyKiosk 2.0 was introduced following the overwhelming response to MyKiosk 1.0, with improvements like solar and environment-friendly batteries lasting 12 hours, up from four. – May 22, 2025
Main image: NST
