Sin Chew editor's detention over Jalur Gemilang issue lawful, says Fahmi

New Straits Times

21-04-2025

JOHOR BARU: The detention of the editor-in-chief and deputy chief sub-editor of Sin Chew Daily over the publication of an incomplete illustration of the Jalur Gemilang on its front page was conducted in accordance with the law.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that the police were legally empowered to investigate the matter, which has sparked widespread public concern.
He said that the investigation was being carried out from three perspectives, involving the Home Ministry, the police, and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
"The initial offence was detected through the print edition of Sin Chew, and therefore the preliminary investigation falls under the Printing Presses and Publications Act, enforced by the Home Ministry.
"In addition, investigations are being pursued under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963, along with several other laws under the jurisdiction of the police.
"Accordingly, any detention made to assist with investigations is in line with existing legal provisions," he said during a press conference after visiting the National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi) in Taman Sri Skudai today.
Fahmi was responding to remarks made by the Malaysian United Rights Party (Urimai) interim president P. Ramasamy who expressed regret over the detention of Sin Chew's editorial leaders, calling the move excessive and shameful.
Fahmi, who is the unity government spokesperson and Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament, said the involvement of the MCMC was appropriate, as Sin Chew also disseminated content through digital platforms, including its e-paper.
"In this matter, two ministries and the police are actively conducting investigations. The final decision will be referred to the Attorney General's Chambers to determine the next course of action — whether prosecution or other measures," he said.
On April 17, it was reported that Sin Chew Daily's editor-in-chief, and deputy chief sub-editor were detained to assist with investigations into the publication of an incomplete Jalur Gemilang illustration on the newspaper's front page.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain later confirmed that both individuals had been taken into custody for further inquiry.
The Chinese-language daily had published the illustration in conjunction with the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Malaysia. However, the depiction of the flag was incomplete, notably missing the crescent moon — a key Islamic symbol.
The incident drew criticism from various quarters, including His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, who said that the newspaper's management and editorial team should have been more diligent in reviewing materials before publication.
Following the backlash, Sin Chew Daily issued a public apology, clarifying that the error was unintentional and resulted from a technical oversight.