IGP to meet Sinar Harian over erroneous infographic

Summary

• Sinar Harian has requested a meeting with Khalid Ismail following the daily’s erroneous infographic on the new IGP.

• Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail warns against using media freedom as a shield for spreading misinformation.

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail will meet the Malay daily Sinar Harian following the publication of an erroneous infographic claiming that he was a PKR member.

The New Straits Times reported him as saying that the media outlet requested the meeting.

"The media outlet concerned has asked me to meet. InsyaAllah, I will meet them soon," Khalid (above) told a press conference after attending the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly today.

The newly appointed IGP clarified that he has never been involved in any political party during his 38-year career.

He also expressed hope that the media would report accurately on police matters as well as government affairs.

Last Friday, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution announced Khalid’s appointment as the new IGP for a two-year term, starting today until June 22, 2027.

On the same day, Sinar Harian listed Khalid’s "awards" as being a PKR central leadership committee member, the Kedah PKR chairperson, and a former Sungai Petani Umno committee member.

The Malay daily has since suspended the staff involved in the publication of the erroneous infographic, including the social media supervisor who approved it.

Ministry may summon Sinar Harian

At the same event today, Saifuddin said the ministry may summon Sinar Harian over the incident.

"If necessary, we will summon them to explain.

"This will allow us to highlight how irresponsible and inaccurate reporting can have serious consequences. We will consider all perspectives," he said, according to NST.

He also warned against using media freedom as a shield for spreading misinformation.

He stressed that what Sinar Harian published was a serious error, as it involved the IGP and the police force.

"If we decide to take action, do not accuse the government of stifling media freedom. I wish to emphasise that,” he added.

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