Bernama clarifies 'Gobind RCI' issue due to duplication of article

(Editor’s note: This article has been amended to include clarifications from Bernama.)

Bernama has clarified that an instruction to “kill” an article on DAP national chairperson Gobind Singh Deo’s call for a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) into the “corporate mafia” allegation against MACC stemmed from a duplication of an article.

A spokesperson from the national news agency said the duplication arose when two bureaus separately worked on the same press release issued by Gobind, prompting Bernama to retract the article while the confusion was being cleared up.

As for the part which stated that no fresh story would follow, the spokesperson said it was simply an error.

Earlier, Malaysiakini reported that the note to editors issued by Bernama at 3.45pm had raised eyebrows.

“Please kill the story with headline ‘MACC cannot investigate itself; RCI needed over ‘corporate mafia’ claims - Gobind’ moved at 2.41pm today.

“No fresh story will follow,” read the message, in both English and Bahasa Malaysia, sent via its Newslink application to media organisations, including Malaysiakini, which subscribe to the service.

Bernama republished the English article at 4.32pm, and the BM version followed two minutes later.

Following layered checks, Malaysiakini could not determine what changes, if any, were made.

‘Fundamental principle of justice’

Earlier today, Malaysiakini reported Gobind stating that DAP remained firm in its stand for an RCI despite MACC rubbishing the “corporate mafia” allegations as a smear campaign.

He said the commission is entitled to deny the claims but stressed that “a mere denial on their part alone is insufficient”.

“It is a fundamental principle of justice that no one should be a judge in their own case,” he added.

Gobind also noted that the allegations in question are specific, with the names of individuals, companies, and identifiable cases mentioned.

“There is sufficient basis for an inquiry to commence, and the best option would be for an RCI to be formed, as it would be equipped with the necessary statutory powers to conduct a proper and meaningful inquiry into the matter,” he added.

‘Solid evidence needed for RCI’

In an interview with Malaysiakini, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said the party would press for the RCI at Friday’s cabinet meeting.

Following this, PKR Youth chief Kamil Abdul Munim said calls for an RCI must be grounded in solid, compelling evidence, not mere hearsay and insinuations.

Kamil said he respects any proposal to establish an RCI, and agrees in principle that the truth must be upheld through a transparent, legally grounded process.

“However, demands for an RCI should not be based solely on hearsay, assumptions, or innuendo. They must rest on strong and convincing evidence,” he added.

On Feb 12, Bloomberg reported that MACC, including senior officials, allegedly colluded with certain business figures to oust rivals and orchestrate corporate takeovers.

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