MELAKA: The RM100,000 compound notices issued to Sin Chew Media Corporation Bhd and Sinar Karangkraf Sdn Bhd over a flag slip-up and inaccurate reporting are too heavy and raise concerns of double standards, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said that while mistakes by the media should not be taken lightly, the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) ought to be given a greater role to guide and advise news organisations rather than seeing punitive measures being taken immediately.
“MMC can advise both organisations to enhance professionalism. The error may not be right, but I don’t think it was intentionally done,” he said when met after opening the Melaka MCA annual convention at a restaurant in Kota Laksamana here on Sunday (Sept 21).
The event was also attended by MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon and other party leaders.
Dr Wee said that the move had sparked questions among the public on whether consistent standards are being applied.
“If you want to take action, do it across the board, including political parties and government agencies. There shouldn’t be double standards,” he said.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had fined Sin Chew Media Corporation Bhd over an incorrect illustration of the Jalur Gemilang in Sin Chew’s digital newspaper, while Sinar Karangkraf Sdn Bhd was penalised for a post on Sinar Harian’s Instagram account that incorrectly linked Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail to a political party.
The action was taken under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which prohibits the improper use of network services, and Section 243, which provides for compounds as an alternative to prosecution.
MMC has since described the fines as excessive and disproportionate, warning that such actions risk creating a chilling effect on newsrooms.
Earlier this year, the Education Ministry apologised after an official SPM examination report carried a wrongly depicted Jalur Gemilang, which had two stars and eight stripes instead of the correct 14.
The ministry recalled the report, promised an internal investigation and corrective action, but no compound was issued.
