'Unacceptable': Malaysia’s Sin Chew Daily under probe for illustration of incomplete national flag, gets rebuke from King
Sin Chew Daily has suspended two editors for publishing an illustration of the flag without the crescent moon. The authorities are also probing another Chinese-language daily, Kwong Wah Yit Poh, over a similar issue in a Facebook post.
The image of the Jalur Gemilang or the national flag on the first page of Sin Chew Daily on Tuesday (Apr 15) had omitted the crescent moon symbol which the king said is "unacceptable". (Sources: X/@knhakimh, Facebook/Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar)
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian authorities have launched an investigation into a local Chinese-language newspaper over the publication of an incomplete illustration of the national flag on its front page, which has drawn public criticism and even a rebuke from the king.
Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain confirmed that a chief editor and deputy chief sub-editor from Sin Chew Daily were questioned for nearly three hours on Thursday (Apr 17), local news outlet New Straits Times (NST) reported.
“Investigations revealed that the chief editor played a role in approving the image of the flag while the deputy chief sub-editor is the graphic design illustrator involved in producing the image,” Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain told NST on Thursday.
The Home Affairs Ministry said on Wednesday that the image of the Jalur Gemilang or national flag on the first page of the newspaper on Tuesday had omitted the crescent moon symbol, which was said to be a serious lapse as it represents Islam as the religion of the federation.
The ministry said in a separate statement on the same day that it was also probing another Chinese-language daily, Kwong Wah Yit Poh, over a Facebook post showing the Jalur Gemilang without the crescent moon.
Following the uproar, Sin Chew Daily said that it has suspended both the chief editor Chan Aun Kuang and deputy chief sub-editor Tsai Shwu San, based on the principle of accountability.
“In light of the error involving the Jalur Gemilang on the front page of Sin Chew Daily, Sin Chew has decided to suspend the editors,” it said in a statement on Thursday, as quoted by Free Malaysia Today.
According to the Chinese-language daily, the suspension is effective immediately and will remain in place until the police investigation into the matter concludes.
The illustration in question accompanied a report on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia this week.
“The act not only shows a lack of professionalism but it could also disrupt harmony in our multiracial society,” the Home Ministry said, as quoted by Malay Mail.
It also confirmed that it is investigating the case under two laws - the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963 and the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, with a show-cause letter also issued on Wednesday.
The ministry also emphasised that the Jalur Gemilang must be treated with respect as it symbolises national sovereignty, unity and identity.
“Any failure to comply with the official specifications of the national flag could result in legal action,” the ministry was quoted as saying by Malay Mail.
Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar also weighed in on the Sin Chew Daily incident on Wednesday, similarly stressing that the national flag is a symbol of sovereignty and national identity and must never be mocked or misrepresented.
“A mistake such as publishing an image of the Jalur Gemilang without the crescent moon, as seen on the front page of a local Chinese-language newspaper, can trigger public sensitivity and is unacceptable,” Sultan Ibrahim said in a statement on Facebook.
The king said that the Malaysian flag is not merely a piece of patterned cloth, but represents the nation’s struggles, history, the meaning of independence and the spirit of its people.
“As citizens, we fly the flag with a sense of pride and patriotic spirit among our multiracial society,” he added.
Sultan Ibrahim also said that the newspaper’s management and editorial team must be more alert and ensure all published materials are thoroughly checked before going to print.
Sin Chew Daily issued an apology to the king on the same day, local media reported.
“We pledge to remain vigilant and sensitive when addressing matters that could harm national dignity and interracial harmony,” the daily said in a statement, as quoted by NST.
Sin Chew Daily acknowledged the king’s advice and described the mistake involving the national flag as a serious lapse.
The apology was made in English, Malay and Mandarin.
It added that it has also strengthened editorial processes to prevent a repeat of the incident.
Sin Chew Daily also said that it has launched a thorough internal investigation, adding that the staff responsible for the mistake would face disciplinary action.
National news agency Bernama reported that at least 13 police reports have been lodged against Sin Chew Daily over the illustration.
Some netizens have also called for a “boycott”, urging the government to take “firm action” against the news outlet.
Separately, the Home Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that it was also probing Kwong Wah Yit Poh.
“The ministry has received a complaint about an incomplete illustration of the Jalur Gemilang on the Kwong Wah Yit Poh Facebook page dated Apr 16,” said the ministry, as quoted by news outlet Free Malaysia Today.
In a separate statement, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said it had summoned the Kwong Wah Yit Poh management over its Facebook post, which is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for alleged improper use of network facilities.
“MCMC views the matter seriously and will give its full cooperation to the home ministry and police in further investigations into the issue if necessary.
“MCMC warns all parties, whether they are media organisations or members of the public, not to upload or spread content that mocks or depicts the Malaysian flag in an incomplete manner," Free Malaysia Today quoted it as saying.
“Stern action can be taken against any party that violates this regulation. MCMC is committed to ensuring digital media use in Malaysia is proper and respectful of national symbols.”
