Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching has called on all public officials to exercise restraint when making statements to the public, particularly by steering clear of language that could be considered impolite or offensive. Speaking in Putrajaya on June 15, she emphasized that officials should also steer away from matters touching on race, religion, and royalty—commonly referred to as 3R issues—at all times, not merely during election periods.

"My counsel to everyone is to abstain from using inappropriate language and to distance themselves from 3R issues, whether during election campaigns or in their daily work," Teo remarked after launching an industry dialogue forum on journalism standards and digital responsibility here.

Her remarks came in response to recent controversies surrounding Mohd Hisyamuddin Ghazali, the newly appointed director-general of the Department of Community Communications (J-KOM), who has faced accusations of employing unsuitable language since taking up the position on June 9. Mohd Hisyamuddin succeeded Datuk Ismail Yusop in the role.

Teo indicated that she has not yet had the opportunity to discuss these concerns directly with Mohd Hisyamuddin, but intends to offer this guidance in a personal meeting. Her intervention underscores the government's commitment to maintaining professional and respectful communication standards across the civil service.