PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded ministries to be more sensitive towards matters pertaining to national identity, says his senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah.
He added that the Prime Minister has emphasised the importance of upholding the principles of justice and respect for the national symbol.
These values, he stressed, must be observed by everyone without exception, while urging all parties to be more sensitive and cautious.
“The Prime Minister has expressed concern over several incidents involving the incorrect display of the Jalur Gemilang, the country’s official flag, which is a symbol of our sovereignty and dignity.
“The Prime Minister has reminded ministries to be more alert and sensitive to elements related to our national identity, especially in official documents involving millions of students and parents,” said Tunku Nashrul in a press briefing published on Anwar’s Facebook page yesterday.
The Prime Minister was commenting on an error in the SPM examination analysis report, issued by the Education Ministry, which displayed an inaccurate Malaysian flag.
Tunku Nashrul said the errors involving the depiction of the Jalur Gemilang are believed to be caused by the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
He said the Prime Minister welcomes 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.”
Tunku Nashrul added that the Prime Minister will not tolerate double standards in this issue.
“The principles of justice and respect towards the national symbol must be upheld by all, without exception.”
The Education Ministry has issued an apology for the error in its depiction of the Jalur Gemilang in the SPM examination results analysis report.
In a statement, it said that such negligence is unacceptable as the Jalur Gemilang symbolises the nation’s grandeur and sovereignty.
“Immediate and strict action has been taken against all involved, and a detailed investigation is underway.
“We have directed that the printed copies of the analysis reports be returned and immediate corrections be made on them,” it said, Bernama reported.
The AI-generated photos have since been removed from the soft copy of the report on the examinations board website yesterday.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said the police will determine whether the error was intentional once they receive a report.
“So far, we have not received any report,” he told reporters during the KL police’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration yesterday.
Comm Rusdi advised the public to be more careful when using technology to avoid repeating such errors in the future.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang also called on the public and organisations to carefully review any content featuring national symbols, whether physical or digital, before publishing or broadcasting it.
“I would like to remind all parties, be they from the government, private sector, media or individuals, to remain sensitive and responsible in their use of the Jalur Gemilang and any other symbol that represents the country’s sovereignty.
“In this age of technology, AI is increasingly used across various fields, including in design and digital content distribution.
“However, technological advancement should never be an excuse for negligence or errors in the use of national symbols,” he said in a post on X.
