MELAKA: The RM100,000 compounds imposed on Sin Chew Media Corporation Bhd and Sinar Karangkraf Sdn Bhd over a flag slip-up and inaccurate reporting are excessive and raise concerns of double standards, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic).
The MCA president said while media mistakes should not be taken lightly, the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) should be empowered to guide and advise news organisations instead of taking punitive measures immediately.
“MMC can advise both organisations to enhance professionalism.
“The error may not be justified, but I don’t think it was intentional,” he said after opening the Melaka MCA annual convention, which was also attended by party deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon and other leaders, yesterday.
Dr Wee said the move has fuelled public doubts about whether consistent standards are being applied.
“If you want to take action, do it across the board, including political parties and government agencies.
“There shouldn’t be double standards,” he added.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had fined Sin Chew Media over an incomplete illustration of the Jalur Gemilang in its digital edition, while Sinar Karangkraf was penalised for a post on Sinar Harian’s Instagram account that incorrectly linked Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail to a political party.
The actions were taken under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which prohibits the improper use of network services, and Section 243, which provides for compounds as an alternative to prosecution.
The MMC has since described the fines as excessive and disproportionate, warning that such action could have a chilling effect on newsrooms.
In April, the Education Ministry apologised after an official SPM examination results analysis report carried a wrongly printed the Jalur Gemilang, which depicted two stars and eight stripes instead of the correct 14 stripes.
The ministry recalled the report, promised corrective action and an internal probe, but no compound was issued.
