Flag error: MP says 'unjust' to dismiss collective effort of media

Summary

• Miri MP Chiew Choon Man backs Sin Chew Daily and media workers against criticisms following the Jalur Gemilang image error.

• He says it is important to distinguish between oversight and malicious intent.

A PKR MP has voiced support for media workers at Sin Chew Daily and all other news organisations, following outcries over the publication of an incomplete Jalur Gemilang illustration on the Chinese daily’s front page.

Amid calls for stern action over the incident, which critics described as offensive and demeaning, Miri MP Chiew Choon Man said media practitioners, like all Malaysians, share a deep affection for the Jalur Gemilang.

“Equally important is that we do not disregard the tireless efforts of journalists, photographers, and other media workers at Sin Chew or any other news organisation.

“Every day, they serve the public by ensuring access to accurate and essential information, while fulfilling their duty to scrutinise government policies.

“It would be unjust to dismiss their collective efforts,” he said.

On Tuesday, the Chinese language newspaper published an incomplete illustration of the Jalur Gemilang on its front page in conjunction with coverage of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia.

The Malaysian flag was missing its crescent moon, which led to backlash.

“In handling this matter, we must distinguish between editorial oversight and malicious intent.

“As a mainstream media organisation, it is unreasonable to assume that Sin Chew Daily would make such an error deliberately or with ill intent,” said Chiew.

Sin Chew had since apologised for the blunder and published a corrected version of the illustration in the next day’s edition. It blamed the mistake on a technical error.

It also suspended the chief editor responsible for approving the publication of the illustration, as well as the deputy chief sub-editor who was the graphic designer behind the image.

Protesting outside the Chinese-daily headquarters in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Perkasa Youth chief Zool Amali Hussin and eight others yesterday insisted they rejected Sin Chew’s apology, and urged the Home Ministry to consider suspending the newspaper’s publishing license as a lesson.

Commenting further, Chiew noted the “proactive steps” taken by the company’s management and urged all parties to allow the legal process to be completed without interference.

“None of us is immune to mistakes; what matters is that the law is upheld and that this incident serves as a lesson to all.

“This episode reminds us of the importance of professional diligence, stricter editorial guidelines, and continuous civic education - from classrooms to newsrooms - so that every citizen understands and respects national symbols,” he added.

Yesterday, Deputy-Inspector General of Police Ayob Khan said 42 witnesses have had their statements recorded to assist in ongoing investigations.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, meanwhile, said the incorrect flag Sin Chew Daily published is not a small issue, but warned against going overboard.

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