Over the past few days, netizens and politicians alike in Malaysia were in uproar after a reputable Chinese news outlet displayed an incorrect depiction of the Jalur Gemilang on the front page.
Following the gaffe, many parties have called for heads to roll over the error as it was regarded as a blatant display of disrespect to the national flag.
Sin Chew Daily editors suspended over Jalur Gemilang error
Following the uproar, Sin Chew Daily released a brief statement on its website, where it announced that two of its staff were suspended over the incident, which came into effect yesterday (Apr 17).
Following the issue of a mistaken flag image on the front page of Sin Chew Daily, and based on the principle of accountability, editor-in-chief Chan Aun Kuang and deputy chief sub-editor Tsai Shwu San have been suspended.
“The management of Sin Chew Daily announced that this decision takes immediate effect and will remain in place until the investigation is concluded,” the statement read.
Editors grilled for 3 hours, multiple police reports lodged
Earlier, The Star reported that Chan and Tsai were questioned for three hours at the Classified Crime Investigation Unit office at the police headquarters in Bukit Aman.
A total of 40 police reports were also lodged over the matter, according to Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
Although Sin Chew Daily released a public apology upon realising the grave mistake, it still attracted dissatisfaction from various parties, including the Yang di-Pertua Agong Sultan Ibrahim, who rapped the news outlet for not carrying out its due diligence.
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