Two top editors of The Star of Malaysia suspended
The Star newspaper of Malaysia has suspended its two top editors pending investigation and inquiry into the paper’s front page on May 27 which caused controversies.
In the paper’s edition of May 29, the Star said its editor-in-chief Leanne Goh Lee Yen and executive editor Dorairaj Nadason will cease to function in their respective roles until further notice.
They have been suspended from their duties and an investigation into the matter will be conducted soon. Its Media Group managing director and chief executive officer Wong Chun Wai will oversee editorial operations during this period.
The editors involved and the Star Media Group will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities in investigating the issue, especially the Home Ministry and the police.
The Kuala Lumpur-based newspaper also published an apology on its website following wide criticism for the May 27 front page where it published a picture of Muslim praying with headline “Malaysian terrorist leader.”
It has been the practice of The Star to respect the first day of Ramadan every year and to place the picture of Muslims at the first terawih prayers on the front page of the paper. This has been done over the last decade or so.
“This year, there was an unfortunate coincidence of the lead story being of a terrorist leader that led to many linking the headline and the picture, which was never the intention of the newspaper.”
On hindsight, The Star should have been more discerning and sensitive to the feelings of our Muslim readers. We sincerely apologise for the error of judgment on our part, according to the statement.
The case had triggered criticisms from Netizens, social organisations and even political parties that described the cover as a “misleading visual representation” apart from being insensitive to Muslims. Calls were also made for action to be taken against the publication by the relevant authorities.
Malaysia's Home Ministry has issued a letter to the daily over its front-page report, saying it is very disappointed with the headline and the front page picture which were unrelated.
"It was inappropriate as it is confusing and will lead to misunderstanding and prejudice against Muslims.
“This has inadvertently belittled the religion of Islam,” said the statement. It wanted the editor-in-chief to explain the incident.
The Star is a member of Asia News Network or ANN, one of the world’s biggest media alliances. ANN now comprises 21 leading media, mostly leading national English-language daily, from South, Southeast and Northeast Asia.