“We need stricter actions!” – Dr Akmal Slams Ministry’s Special Briefing Plan for Media Outlets After Flag Error

The Communication Minister, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, said a special briefing on the proper display of the Malaysian flag will be held in another two weeks.

The decision was made after Sin Chew Daily, a local Chinese newspaper outlet, printed an incomplete Jalur Gemilang on its front page, which the King deemed “unacceptable“, and the UMNO Youth Chief, Dr Akmal Saleh, also said a mere apology was not enough.

The special briefing session is targeted to the media organisations and corporate communications units and will be held at the Tun Abdul Razak Broadcasting and Information Institute (IPTAR) within the next two weeks.

“Based on what has happened, we have decided to hold a briefing and information session on the proper procedures for displaying national symbols, particularly the Jalur Gemilang.”

“We will organise this session for our media partners and corporate communications units at IPTAR within two weeks,” Fahmi said at a press conference on Thursday (April 17).

Fahmi also said he had met with the management of the Sin Chew Daily, joined by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.

“If you don’t know Jalur Gemilang, you might as well not be a Malaysian!”

After calling for strict action against the newspaper outlet for the blunder, Dr Akmal Saleh responded to Fahmi’s briefing plan and said it was NOT the right thing to do to handle the matter.

In his Facebook post yesterday (April 18), Akmal said Malaysian media friends should be well aware of the Malaysian flag, adding that a special briefing is the right measure.

“Dear Minister, the laws have to be adjusted, and stricter actions have to be taken against those who don’t respect the country!”

“Educate them through laws, they will remember it for life. It’s that simple.”

Earlier, Sin Chew Daily printed an incomplete Jalur Gemilang on its front page, with the absence of the crescent. The newspaper outlet then issued a public apology. At the time of writing, PDRM has recorded the statements of two editors in Sin Chew Daily, who had also been released.

What do you think of Akmal’s take on this matter?

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