THE Communication and Multimedia Ministry (KKMM) has issued show cause letters to RTM’s Mandarin Desk editor and its chief editor.
This came following the news channel referring to pro-Palestinian group Hamas as a “radical” organisation.
“Following RTM’s Mandarin news coverage yesterday on the Israeli air strikes on Palestinian land, I have ordered a probe and several actions on the matter.
“The Mandarin Desk editor and its chief editor were issued show-cause letters. They are required to explain the matter and provide a detailed report,” said its minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, in a statement.
However, he noted that RTM’s Mandarin Desk has issued apology and correction on the same day, on “Berita Tengah Hari” at 1pm and “Berita Mandarin” at 7pm.
With that, the Indera Mahkota MP said he had instructed the Current Affairs News Section to review the standard operating procedures (SOP) of RTM’s Bilik Berita assignments, particularly on its TV-based editing and publishing methods to ensure such errors are not repeated.
“RTM is sensitive to the situation and stand by our country’s stand. We fully support the sovereignty and independence of Palestine.
“And RTM will continue to improve the quality of its news delivery from time to time,” Saifuddin stressed.
Since last week, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has escalated after the Zionist nation’s police stormed and assaulted those congregating at the al-Aqsa mosque to celebrate Ramadan.
The tension soon became a full-scale military action as both Israel and Hamas launched rockets on each other’s land, killing and injuring many including children. – May 13, 2021.
