THE Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) is reviewing potential legal and engagement measures in response to an inaccurate infographic published by a local media outlet, which incorrectly associated Malaysia’s 15th Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, with a political party.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the ministry is examining the issue from all angles, including possible legal action or direct engagement with the media organisation involved.
“If necessary, we will summon them to explain, and it will also give us an opportunity to convey how irresponsible and false reporting carries serious implications,” he told reporters after attending the ministry’s monthly assembly today.
“But if we do so, let not this government be painted as one that disrespects media freedom,” he added.
Saifuddin expressed deep dissatisfaction with the error, calling it serious due to the damage it could inflict on the reputation of the country’s top law enforcement officer.
“The facts were clearly available. The official biography of Datuk Seri Khalid had already been issued, yet the media outlet included political affiliations at the end of their version, seemingly with intent,” he said.
He added that an established media organisation should understand journalistic discipline, especially the importance of verifying facts involving high-ranking officers with decades of service.
“Was there no effort at all to contact and confirm? Meanwhile, political polarisation and hate sentiment continue to grow. When such false reports are circulated, they spread like wildfire in a dry season,” he said.
The minister also criticised the outlet’s explanation that the mistake was unintentional, saying this failed to account for the significant consequences.
“How does one contain a viral fire that fuels public distrust and hatred? If we take stern action, we are accused of suppressing media freedom under the MADANI government.
“Freedom must come with responsibility. There is freedom to report verified facts, freedom to comment responsibly — but not freedom to disseminate falsehoods that undermine public confidence in our police institutions and tarnish the reputation of the new Inspector-General,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Saifuddin pointedly dismissed the suggestion that Mohd Khalid was ever involved with Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
“When was he ever a member? I’ve been PKR Secretary-General for 14 years — from zero members to over 1.1 million. Where exactly did Datuk Khalid fit in? He never attended any meetings — I’ve never even seen him,” he said.
On 20 June, a local media outlet posted an infographic on Instagram which inaccurately suggested that Mohd Khalid held a leadership role in PKR. The claim was swiftly refuted by PKR Secretary-General Dr Fuziah Salleh, who confirmed that Mohd Khalid was neither a member nor an office-bearer in the party.
The media organisation has since issued a public apology and suspended the staff member involved in producing the misleading content. - June 23, 2025
