BANGKOK: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned against trivialising the recent error involving an incomplete image of the Jalur Gemilang published by a local newspaper, stating that the national flag represents the sovereignty and dignity of the country.
Speaking to Malaysian reporters at the conclusion of his two-day working visit to Thailand on Friday, Anwar underscored the importance of respecting national symbols, particularly the flag.
“This is not a trivial matter. For any country, the flag is a very important symbol,” he said. “Let the legal process take its course.”
The incident in question involved the publication of a Jalur Gemilang image without the crescent moon on the front page of the Sin Chew Daily on Tuesday. The illustration accompanied the newspaper’s coverage of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia.
The incomplete image drew criticism from various parties, including His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, who emphasised the importance of editorial diligence and responsibility.
Anwar stated that while investigations should proceed, actions must be proportionate and in accordance with the law.
“I’ve also said we must not appear excessive in our actions just to meet certain demands — it must follow due legal process,” he added.
In response to the backlash, Sin Chew Daily issued a public apology, attributing the mistake to an unintentional technical error.
