Probe into incomplete Jalur Gemilang illustration referred to AG’s chambers

POLICE have completed their investigation into Chinese-language daily Sin Chew Daily over the publication of an incomplete illustration of the Malaysian flag and have referred the investigation paper to the Attorney General’s Chambers for further action.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain confirmed on Saturday that the investigation paper was submitted on Friday.

“We have completed the investigation and referred the case to the Attorney General for further review,” he said.

“Based on preliminary investigations, the newspaper stated that the error occurred due to a technical mistake. However, the final decision lies with the Attorney General.”

“So far, statements have been recorded from 54 individuals, and more witnesses may be called if necessary,” he added, noting that preliminary findings indicated a technical error as the reason provided by the newspaper for the incomplete image.

On Friday, media reported that the newspaper’s editor-in-chief and deputy chief sub-editor were detained to assist in the investigation.

Police later confirmed that both were taken to their office to retrieve relevant materials and were subsequently released on police bail.

Both individuals were earlier questioned for three hours at the Classified Crime Investigation Unit of Bukit Aman. The editor-in-chief was said to have approved the publication of the illustration, while the deputy chief sub-editor was responsible for designing the image.

Razarudin also confirmed that police have received 40 reports nationwide concerning the matter. The case is being investigated under Section 3(1)(c) of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963 and Section 4(1)(b) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.

The controversy began on Tuesday when Sin Chew Daily published an incomplete version of the Jalur Gemilang on its front page in conjunction with the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The newspaper later issued a public apology, attributing the incident to an unintentional technical error. – April 19, 2024