Malaysiakini says 'sorry' to Umno

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysiakini editors met Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today to apologise over a series of erroneous graphics involving the party that were published on the news portal’s social media platforms.

Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said Malaysiakini executive editor RK Anand met Zahid, Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and himself during the meeting held on the sidelines of the Umno General Assembly.

“During the meeting, an apology and explanation were given. We conveyed in very firm terms our deep disappointment over what had happened, and Malaysiakini apologised and assured us that it would not recur,” he said in a Facebook post.

Akmal also warned Malaysiakini against repeating the mistake, stressing that the party would not be lenient if a similar incident occurred again.

“Although we were hurt, I want to say this to Malaysiakini: had it been left to me alone earlier, perhaps nothing could have been done. Thankfully, the matter was brought to the President, who has a big heart and chose to forgive.

“So, I would also like to thank Malaysiakini for having a big heart to come to the Umno General Assembly to apologise. But do not think that because we were lenient this time, you can step on us again. If it happens again, we will not forgive,” he added.

Yesterday, Umno Youth gave Malaysiakini 24 hours to issue a public apology in person over the inaccurate graphics it posted on Wednesday, where the text on the graphics did not match the photo used or the social media caption.

Two of the graphics erroneously reused the headline of a Bahasa Malaysia article about the Umno assembly determining the party’s direction within the government.

One graphic overlaid the headline on an image of pigs at a farm, which was meant for a post about the Selangor pig farming issue, as evidenced by the caption, which clearly referred to pig farming in Tanjung Sepat.

The portal said it had contacted Akmal on Wednesday to apologise and expressed its intention to apologise to party leaders in person. This followed Akmal posting a social media video this morning demanding that Malaysiakini make a formal apology at the Umno General Assembly.

Malaysiakini had also reached out to Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s office to apologise before the posting.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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