COMMUNICATIONS Minister Fahmi Fadzil has condemned the circulation of a false infographic that alleged newly appointed Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, had political party affiliations.
Describing it as defamatory, Fahmi said the graphic—published by a local newspaper on social media—contained inaccurate information, including unsubstantiated claims of Mohd Khalid’s involvement in political activities.
“I was personally shocked by the publication of such an inaccurate infographic. I have never seen Datuk Seri Khalid at any political party event, meeting, convention, or congress,” he said. “That is a very serious and damaging slander.”
He made the remarks when speaking to reporters after officiating the Kita MADANI Carnival for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya at IWK Eco Park in Lembah Pantai on Saturday.
Fahmi also stressed the importance of the newly established Malaysian Media Council in addressing such issues, particularly those concerning journalistic ethics.
“Although the structure of the council is still being finalised, I view it as the best platform to handle matters including media responsibility and ethics,” he added.
The infographic in question sparked confusion online after suggesting Mohd Khalid had links with a political party.
PKR Secretary-General Dr Fuziah Salleh clarified yesterday that Mohd Khalid had never been a party member, let alone held any official role.
Following public backlash, the newspaper issued a public apology via Instagram, admitting the misinformation was published inadvertently and affirming that Mohd Khalid had no political affiliations. - June 22, 2025
Fahmi Fadzil, Mohd Khalid Ismail, fake news, journalism ethics, Malaysian media, PKR, police, misinformation
