PETALING JAYA: Following a Jalur Gemilang error by the Education Ministry, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded government ministries to be more sensitive towards matters pertaining to national identity, says his senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah.
Tunku Nashrul said Anwar is concerned over the slew of recent incidents involving errors on the Jalur Gemilang, as it touched on national sensitivities.
“The Prime Minister reminds ministries to show higher sensitivity to elements relating to national identity, especially in official documents involving millions of students and parents,” said Tunku Nashrul in a press briefing broadcast via Anwar’s Facebook page on Thursday (April 24).
Tunku Nashrul said the Education Ministry is currently conducting internal investigations and Anwar has stressed that there will be no double standards in this issue.
“Investigations are made without taking into account whether it is local media, international company, or government agency.
“The principles of justice and respect towards the national symbol must be upheld by all, without any exceptions,” he said.
Tunku Nashrul said the slew of errors involving the Jalur Gemilang is believed to be caused by the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
He said the Prime Minister welcomed technological innovation, but stressed that AI must never replace editorial responsibility and quality control by humans.
“Each material involving the national symbol and public sensitivities must be thoroughly checked with respect and collective responsibility.
“AI is a great tool, but if misused, it could undermine national harmony,” added Tunku Nashrul.
On Thursday (April 24), the Education Ministry issued an apology for the error in its depiction of the Jalur Gemilang in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) Examination Results Analysis Report.
The Education Ministry said action had been taken against those involved and a detailed investigation is underway.
The AI-generated photos have been removed from the soft copy of the report on the Examinations Board website.
Last Sunday (April 20), Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil also called for action after an incident where a booth at a baby product exhibition showcased the Jalur Gemilang without its crucial crescent moon, which represents Islam as Malaysia’s official religion.
Presently, Chinese language dailies Kwong Wah Yit Poh and Sin Chew Daily are also being probed for publishing a wrong Jalur Gemilang.
The Home Ministry is probing Kwong Wah Yit Poh over a Facebook post showing the Jalur Gemilang on April 16 without the crescent moon.
Sin Chew Daily also made a similar error in the front page of its April 15 edition, where they depicted the national flag without the crescent moon.
Sin Chew Daily had since publicly apologised and suspended its chief editor and deputy chief sub-editor over the front-page error.
