Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching has urged public servants to steer clear of impolite or unsuitable language when addressing the public, emphasizing the need for greater caution across all sectors. Speaking in Putrajaya on June 15, she stressed that matters involving race, religion and royalty (3R) warrant particular sensitivity and should be avoided entirely.

Teo made her remarks while officiating an industry dialogue session focused on responsible journalism in the digital age. She underscored that such guidelines should apply consistently throughout the year, not merely during electoral periods. "Everyone should exercise care with their words and circumvent 3R sensitivities as a matter of standard practice," she conveyed to assembled media personnel.

Her statement came in response to controversy surrounding Mohd Hisyamuddin Ghazali, the newly appointed director-general of the Department of Community Communications (J-KOM). The official, who took office on June 9 succeeding Datuk Ismail Yusop, has faced scrutiny over allegedly using unsuitable expressions in his communications since his appointment.

Teo clarified that she has not yet arranged a direct meeting with Mohd Hisyamuddin to relay her guidance personally. The deputy minister's comments reflect broader concerns within government circles about maintaining professional standards and institutional decorum in official discourse.