KUALA LUMPUR – Sin Chew Daily has suspended its editor-in-chief Chan Aun Kuang and deputy chief sub-editor Tsai Shwu San with immediate effect as investigations continue into the publication of an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated image of the Jalur Gemilang without its crescent moon.
In a brief statement today, the newspaper’s management said the suspensions were made based on the principle of accountability, following the backlash over the front page of its April 15 edition.
The image, published alongside the flag of the People’s Republic of China in a report on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit, sparked public outcry and drew sharp criticism from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim, who described the mistake as “unacceptable”.
“The flag is not merely a colourful piece of cloth, but represents the struggles, history, meaning of independence, and the spirit of the people,” His Majesty said in a Facebook post, urging media outlets to be more sensitive and thorough in their editorial processes.
Sin Chew Daily had earlier attributed the mistake to a technical fault involving an AI-generated image and announced disciplinary action against the staff responsible. It also pledged to tighten editorial oversight, particularly in the use of AI tools.
Police have confirmed receiving 13 reports over the incident, while the Home Ministry (KDN) has issued a show-cause letter to the daily and is investigating the matter under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963 and the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.
KDN stressed that the omission of the crescent moon—an element symbolising Islam as the religion of the Federation—was a serious lapse that could affect racial harmony.
The ministry has yet to announce whether further action will be taken, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation. – April 16, 2025