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Media practitioners are being urged to exercise a high degree of caution and patience, awaiting the official statement from the Pardons Board in relation to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's appeal for a royal pardon. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil emphasized the importance of refraining from hastily producing news stories based solely on unofficial sources. This advisory follows a report from a news portal, citing an unverified source claiming that the Pardons Board had already granted a full pardon to Najib.
Fahmi, acting as the spokesman for the Unity Government, underscored the necessity for media practitioners to diligently verify the authenticity of information before rushing to publication. He pointed out that the reliability of certain sources can often be dubious, and therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and cross-check information. In this regard, Fahmi mentioned consulting with the Cabinet StratComm and Minister of Law and Institutional Reform Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. Their guidance was unequivocal: await the official statement from the Pardons Board.
Addressing the ministry's monthly assembly, Fahmi emphasized the inherent uncertainty associated with unverified sources and highlighted the responsibility of journalists to ensure accurate reporting. It is imperative for media outlets to confirm the accuracy of information to uphold the integrity of news reporting and the public's trust.
In response to this cautionary message, Bernama conducted checks and discovered that the news portal, in question, had taken down the report on Najib's pardon. The removal was attributed to the grounds of unverified facts, prompting the portal to issue a public apology to its readers.
This incident serves as a potent reminder of the delicate nature of reporting, especially on legal matters. It underscores the significance of relying on official statements rather than unconfirmed sources to ensure the accuracy and reliability of news stories. Media practitioners are encouraged to adhere to ethical standards, emphasizing the value of patience and diligence in waiting for official announcements before disseminating information to the public.
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