Utusan Malaysia, a Malay language news portal, recently issued an apology for an article it published claiming that former prime minister Najib Razak had been granted a royal pardon.
The article had quoted unspecified sources indicating that the Pardons Board had reached a decision to pardon Najib. However, the facts presented in the article could not be verified, leading to Utusan Malaysia retracting the publication and taking responsibility for the error. In a statement, Utusan Malaysia expressed regret for the article, acknowledging that it could not substantiate the information reported.
The news portal apologized to its readers for the mistake. This development followed an announcement by federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa that the Pardons Board would issue a statement after its meeting at Istana Negara. Although Zaliha confirmed attending the meeting, whether Najib's application was discussed was not disclosed. Prior to these events,
The Edge had reported that the board's decision regarding Najib's application for a royal pardon was expected to be made public on the day following Utusan Malaysia's article. Najib's lawyer, Shafee Abdullah, had previously stated that the pardon application was initially submitted in September 2022. Additional addendums to the petition were filed in October of the same year and in April 2023.
It is important to note that the issuance of a royal pardon holds significant implications for Najib Razak, who had been convicted in multiple corruption cases. A royal pardon could potentially lead to the reversal or reduction of his convictions. However, based on the information available, the authenticity of the news article and the claims made within it could not be verified.
In situations like these, it is crucial for news outlets to exercise diligence in verifying the accuracy of information before publication. Reliable sourcing and fact-checking processes are essential to maintain the integrity and credibility of news reports. While the retraction and apology by Utusan Malaysia indicate a recognition of the error, it serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible journalism.
As consumers of news, it is advisable to approach unverified or uncorroborated information with caution, especially when it pertains to significant events or individuals. In a fast-paced media landscape, where news can spread rapidly, it is vital to seek reliable and credible sources to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information we consume.
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