No double standard, says PM over flag error in SPM report

 Anwar Ibrahim says investigations will be carried out regardless of the parties involved – be it local media, international companies, or government agencies.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said all parties must be more vigilant and careful when publishing content related to national symbols.

PETALING JAYA:

 Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has assured the public that no double standard will be applied following a mistake in an illustration of the Jalur Gemilang printed in the education ministry’s Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results analysis report.

His senior press secretary, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, said investigations will be carried out regardless of the parties involved – be it local media, international companies, or government agencies.

“The principles of justice and respect for national symbols must be upheld by all, without exception.

“Everyone must be more vigilant and responsible when publishing content related to national symbols or the dignity of the country,” he said in a video on Facebook.

Earlier, the education ministry apologised for a mistake in the design of the national flag in its SPM results analysis report.

The ministry said a thorough investigation was ongoing and admitted that the mistake was unacceptable.

The report contained an image of students in a classroom with a Jalur Gemilang that had two stars, instead of one, hanging on the wall. The flag also had eight alternating red and white stripes instead of 14.

According to Tunku Nashrul, Anwar stressed that the use of AI requires accountability.

“The prime minister welcomes innovation in technology, including the growing use of AI across various sectors such as media, education and business. However, he emphasised that AI cannot replace editorial responsibility and quality control by humans.

“Any content involving national symbols or public sensitivities must undergo thorough review to ensure respect and shared responsibility.”

Anwar added that AI is a powerful tool, but if used carelessly, it can have serious implications for national harmony and unity.

Previously, Chinese newspapers Sin Chew Daily and Kwong Wah Yit Poh published incorrect illustrations of the national flag. A Singapore-based baby food company also released a video with the same error.

Earlier, Malaysiakini reported that former law minister Zaid Ibrahim had questioned whether education minister Fadhlina Sidek would face police action over the blunder in the SPM report.

Sin Chew Daily’s chief editor and deputy chief sub-editor were detained for questioning by police for several hours and were later released on bail after the blunder was discovered. - FMT