The Putrajaya Media Club said it received complaints from several members of the media claiming that Nik Azmi Nik Fathil had mocked reporters who asked for further information on the health ministry’s 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey.

It said the reporters needed the additional information to ensure that the figures in their news reports were accurate.

The group also said that Nik Azmi had interjected when a reporter asked Dzulkefly a question, and that he had even answered on the minister’s behalf.

“His actions surprised media practitioners there, as it was their first time encountering a press secretary with such behaviour.

“Is this the new procedure whereby press secretaries can answer questions from a press conference on behalf of the minister?” it said in a statement.

The group added that journalists and press secretaries to ministers need each other in order to disseminate information on government policies and initiatives to the public.

FMT has reached out to Dzulkefly for comment.

Meanwhile, Nik Azmi apologised to the media over his conduct, describing the matter as “unfortunate”. He also gave an assurance that it would not happen again.

“I am sorry for what happened. Please accept my apologies and best wishes. I am always thankful for the services rendered by media practitioners in bringing good reporting to the people of Malaysia,” he said in a brief statement.