Sin Chew Daily vows stronger checks post flag error, journalist groups speak up

Sin Chew Daily has vowed to take disciplinary action against the staff who was found to be responsible for the erroneous publication of the national flag without its crescent moon, following a thorough internal review. The publication said in a statement seen by A+M, that its editorial department has also enhanced its review procedures especially in the use of artificial intelligence. 

Don't miss: Sin Chew issues apology over misprinted national flag

It also said that the management of Sin Chew Daily unreservedly acknowledges the advice of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, over the gaffe of the Jalur Gemilang displayed on its front page.  "The King, who remarked that the Jalur Gemilang is a symbol of Malaysia, issued a reminder that the media must be careful and thorough in checking the contents before publication," the statement read. 

"We pledge to be extra cautious and sensitive in handling matters that may harm national dignity and interracial relations," it added. 

The King addresses the issue

This comes after the King posted a statement on his official Facebook page to say that the gaffe was unacceptable. His Majesty emphasised that the national flag is a symbol of sovereignty and the identity of the country. 

"The mistake of displaying the Jalur Gemilang without its crescent moon on the front page of the Chinese-language daily can trigger public sensitivities and cannot be accepted," he said. 

The statement also added that a flag is not just a colourful piece of cloth, but it represents the struggle, history, meaning of independence and the spirit of people. 

"As citizens, we fly the flag with pride and patriotic spirit within our multiracial society," Sultan Ibrahim said. 

In closing, the King also said that the management and editorial team of Sin Chew Daily should have been more vigilant, and the content should have been thoroughly checked before it was printed and published. 

Action against Sin Chew Daily

On Wednesday (16 April), the Home Ministry said in a statement posted on Facebook, that it has issued a show-cause letter to summon the publication, and it has initiated an investigation into Sin Chew Daily over the misprinted flag issue, based on the Emblems and names (prevention of improper use) act 1963 (Act 414), and the Printing presses and publications act 1984 (Act 301). 

"The Jalur Gemilang is not just a symbol but also an emblem of sovereignty, unity and this national identity must be respected by all parties. Anyone who fails to adhere to the official specification of the flag as provided for under Act 414 will face action base on existing laws," the ministry said. 

"The home ministry will not compromise, and will take strict action against any parties who are not careful in publishing content that threaten security and public peace as provided for under Act 301," the statement read. 

Meanwhile, the police said that it has received 13 police reports against Sin Chew Daily over the error. 

The inspector-general of police Razarudin Husain was quoted by The Star as saying that the police have commenced investigations upon receiving the reports, under Section 4 of the Printing presses and publishing act. 

Press freedom organisations decry calls for serious action 

Following severe public backlash from netizens, politicians and organisations, Gerakan Media Merdeka (GERAMM), a journalist group advocating for free and independent media, have condemned calls for extreme action against Sin Chew Daily. 

It said in a statement on Facebook sighted by A+M, that it while it acknowledges the controversy and appreciate the apology issued by Sin Chew Daily, it is against any calls for extreme action including public boycotts, harassment of media works, or punitive measures under outdated laws such as the Printing presses and publications act 1984. 

"These reactions do not contribute to constructive discourse and only serve to endanger press freedom in Malaysia. This episode once again underlines the need for a functioning and independent Malaysian Media Council. Such a body— free from government or political interference— can serve as a fair and professional platform to address ethical concerns and public complaints without resorting to punitive state action," said GERAMM. 

"We also stress that such a serious oversight requires not just an apology, but a clear demonstration of accountability from within the organisation. Media outlets carry the responsibility of upholding public trust and respecting national symbols. While errors can occur, they must be addressed transparently— with internal reviews, improved editorial checks, and a commitment to prevent similar mistakes in the future," the group added. 

Meanwhile, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) has also spoken out against the issue in a statement posted to Facebook. 

"CIJ decries calls for serious action to be taken against Sin Chew Daily, including calls for the suspension of their license or police investigation, for their design blunder of the Malaysian Flag," it said. 

Like GERAMM, the media freedom advocate group also acknowledged the issue as problematic and expects  Sin Chew Daily to be aware of the national flag's significance. It also stressed that calls for serious action to be taken were unwarranted as the publication had already issued an apology along with the corrected illustration. 

"Any restrictions to media freedom must uphold international standards, where actions must meet the three-part test on legitimacy, necessity and proportionality. In this context, the use of any laws, including archaic and repressive laws such as the Printing presses and publications act and the Communications and multimedia act, would be disproportionate and would further undermine media freedom," said CIJ. 

It added that any further action taken should fall under the responsibility of the Malaysian media council, which will provide an independent mechanism to objectively and neutrally arbitrate complaints against the media without political or external agenda. 

Kwong Wah Yit Poh makes the same mistake

Kwong Wah Yit Poh, another Chinese-language publication, has also been summoned by the MCMC regarding a report about an incomplete image of the Malaysian flag which was uploaded onto its official Facebook account yesterday (16 April). 

According to a release posted on MCMC's Facebook, the case is being probed under Section 233 of the Communications and multimedia act 1998, involving the improper use of network facilities. It said that it viewed the matter seriously and will work closely with the home ministry and police to carry out an investigation into the matter if needed. 

"MCMC gives a serious warning to all parties, whether it is media organisations or the public, to not uploading or spreading any content that mocks or displays the Malaysian flag in an incomplete form. Serious action will be taken against any parties who go against these rules," the statement read. 

The MCMC also stated that it is committed to ensuring that the use of digital media in Malaysia remains orderly and respects national symbols. 

According to Malaysiakini, Kwong Wah Yit Poh is also being investigated by the Home Ministry after it uploaded a Facebook post which showed the front page of its 16 April evening edition. The front page also depicted the Jalur Gemilang without the crescent moon. 

The home ministry said in a statement that the offence has the same impact (as Sin Chew's offence) and there will be no compromise, as the matter will be investigated under legal provisions on the new media. 

Yesterday, A+M reported that Sin Chew Daily apologised for publishing a front-page image of the Malaysian flag, Jalur Gemilang, without its crescent moon. The image was part of its 15 April 2025 edition, which covered the arrival of China president Xi Jinping in Malaysia, marking his second official trip to the country in 12 years.

The image featured a symbolic boat carrying the supposed Malaysian flag and Chinese national flag, which was meant to be a celebration of Malaysia-China ties. The image was set beside a poem about the two nation's cooperation. The crescent moon, which was missing from the flag, is a significant emblem of the nation's Islamic roots.

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