MCMC Probes Chinese Media for Alleged Misreporting of YDPA’s BM Remarks at Parliament Opening

Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA) Sultan Ibrahim emphasised that any new education initiatives must align with the national education policy and urged those who refuse to accept Bahasa Malaysia (BM) as the national language within the education system to consider leaving the country.

Following the 2026 Parliament session, a local Chinese media outlet reported that His Majesty had supposedly said, “If you don’t know Malay, don’t live in Malaysia.”

“if you don’t know malay, don’t live in malaysia”

MCMC probes local Chinese media for misleading report on YDPA’s BM remarks

Malaysian Muslim preacher Firdaus Wong later slammed the media for showing disrespect to the King, saying their report misrepresented His Majesty’s original statement.

Firdaus wong

He also criticised the media’s choice of words, calling it “misleading,” and has since filed a police report against the media outlet as well as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

“There is a big difference in meaning between ‘don’t know’ and ‘don’t accept,'” he said.

In a recent update, the MCMC confirmed it is investigating online content published by the Chinese media outlet in question, which is alleged to contain translation errors of His Majesty’s speech.

Before and after shots of the thumbnail posted by the local chinese media

“The public is urged not to make extreme or defamatory comments”

According to BERNAMA, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the investigation follows official complaints lodged by members of the public.

He also called on the Malaysian Media Council, as an independent body, to step in and ensure journalistic ethics are upheld, encourage responsible and accurate reporting, and act as a self-regulatory platform to handle media-related complaints professionally and ethically.

“If any police reports are filed, those cases are separate and will be fully handled by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) under the existing legal provisions.

“At the same time, the public is urged not to make extreme or defamatory comments, especially on social media, and to always respect the institution of the monarchy while allowing the legal process to run its course,” he said.

Fahmi fadzil

The investigation is being carried out under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which covers the improper use of network facilities or communications services that could cause confusion, public anxiety, or affect harmony.

Also read: Firdaus Wong Files Police Report Against Chinese Media Over Misleading Coverage on YDPA’s BM Remarks