Home Ministry probes Sarawak Tribune over controversial Gaza headline

THE Ministry of Home Affairs has summoned three individuals from the Sarawak Tribune to assist in an investigation into the publication of a controversial article titled “Militant Using Press Cover Eliminated”, which appeared on 12 August and was widely condemned for misrepresenting a slain Al Jazeera journalist.

In an official statement, the ministry confirmed it had launched an inquiry into the incident, stating that the focus of the investigation is on the publication of "undesirable material" that may disturb public order or breach permit conditions under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.

“The ministry views the publication of this article seriously, given its potential to cause confusion, public unrest and distress,” it said. “Newspapers are reminded to exercise greater responsibility, editorial prudence and ethical standards to ensure that their content does not provoke controversy or offend public sensitivities.”

The ministry warned that publishing false, misleading, or undesirable news could result in legal action under the Act, which carries penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine not exceeding RM20,000, or both. The possibility of revoking the publication’s permit is also under consideration.

“The Home Ministry will not compromise on national security and public order. Firm action will be taken against any party found negligent in producing material that endangers public peace,” the statement continued, adding that enforcement measures would be considered upon the conclusion of the investigation.

The article in question, which referred to the late Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al-Sharif—killed in an Israeli air strike on Gaza—as a militant, has drawn widespread condemnation.

Youth wing Pemuda Amanah called for strong punitive action by the ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), including the potential suspension or closure of the publication.

Mus’ab Muzahar, Chairman of the International Bureau of Pemuda Amanah, said, “We strongly condemn the outrageous act by the Sarawak Tribune in publishing a defamatory headline that falsely portrays Anas Al-Sharif as a militant. This headline clearly mirrors the false Zionist narrative used to justify the killing of Palestinian journalists.” - August 22, 2025