AI flag error draws fire from media group

SHAH ALAM – Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) has slammed a local Chinese language daily for publishing an AI-generated front-page image of the Jalur Gemilang on April 15 that mistakenly omitted the crescent — a key element of the national symbol.

The illustration sparked public backlash, particularly across social media platforms.

Geramm stated that such an error required not just an apology, but also a clear demonstration of accountability within the organisation, including internal reviews, strengthened editorial checks and a firm commitment to preventing similar mistakes in the future.

“Media outlets carry the responsibility of upholding public trust and respecting national symbols. While errors can occur, they must be addressed transparently,” the group added.

Geramm also clarified that they did not support any calls for extreme action.

They condemned suggestions of public boycotts, harassment of media workers, or punitive measures under outdated laws such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, arguing that such approaches would not contribute to constructive discourse and would only threaten press freedom in Malaysia.

“This episode highlighted the need for a functioning and independent Malaysian Media Council.

"Such a body — free from government or political interference — could serve as a fair and professional platform to address ethical concerns and public complaints without resorting to punitive state action,” the group added.

Prior to Geramm’s statement and following the error and subsequent backlash, the newspaper issued a formal apology on its website.

The media outlet acknowledged the specific mistake of inadvertently omitting the crescent from the Malaysian flag on its front page, describing it as an “unintentional error made during the illustration design process.”

The publication also informed readers that the digital version had been amended and that a similar notice would be published in the print edition.