Local Chinese newspaper, Sin Chew Daily recently found itself under fire after an error that involved an incomplete Jalur Gemilang with the absence of the crescent.
Sin Chew Daily immediately posted an apology for the blunder but UMNO Youth Chief, Dr Akmal Saleh, thinks a mere apology is not enough. In his Facebook video yesterday (April 16), Akmal urged the Communication Minister, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil to take strict action against the Chinese newspaper.
“You’re a senior, this shouldn’t have happened!”
Akmal explained that the yellow of the star and crescent is the royal color of the Malay rulers, and he was baffled that a newspaper outlet with a long history in Malaysia could commit such a mistake.
“You’re a senior in the industry, how did you editor miss the incomplete Jalur Gemilang before printing and publishing it?”
“But you got the Chinese flag right. How is that?”
The UMNO Youth Chief acknowledged the public apology that was made by Sin Chew but said that it was not enough and the matter shouldn’t be swept under the rug just because of the apology. Akmal does not want another cycle of “do first and apologise later.”
“You’re a senior newspaper. Your editor should’ve checked everything before publishing.”
“This is an insult. This is a serious issue and strict action should be taken.”
The King also released an official statement
Yesterday, the King, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar also posted an official statement about the blunder, calling it unacceptable.
“Publishing an incomplete Jalur Gemilang on the front page of a newspaper can cause sensitivity among Malaysians. This is unacceptable.”
“The editorial department should be more careful and vigilant before publication.”
In the meantime, the Ministry of Home Affairs Malaysia (KDN) is currently investigating Sin Chew Daily and has given the newspaper outlet a show-cause letter, according to its official statement.
The incomplete Jalur Gemilang was printed and also shared on Sin Chew Daily’s Facebook page on April 15.
