Hamas 'radical' - RTM Mandarin news editors get show-cause letters

RTM's Mandarin Desk editor and the chief editor of the Mandarin News segment have been issued with show-cause letters after their news report referred to the Palestinian group Hamas as "radical", revealed Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah

The term was used in a TV2 Mandarin news report concerning the launching of rockets by Hamas towards Jerusalem and southern Israel in the ongoing dispute there, said Saifuddin who added that further investigations were being carried out by the station's management.

"This follows the use of a term in reference to the Hamas group in the Mandarin language news segment on May 12.

I immediately ordered further investigation and action by the management of the Broadcasting Department Malaysia," said Saifuddin in a statement today.

"A public apology in a news release carrying the correction was issued on 'Berita Tengah Hari' at 1pm and 'Berita Mandarin' at 7pm the same day," he added.

Saifuddin said the Current Affairs News Section is required to review the standard operating procedures (SOPs) of RTM's Bilik Berita assignments particularly when it came to TV-based editing and publishing to ensure that similar errors do not recur in the future.

"RTM is sensitive to the situation and always firmly supports Malaysia's stand and the aspirations of its people in relation to the conflict and supports the sovereignty and independence of Palestine.

"RTM will continue to strive to improve the quality of its news delivery from time to time," said Saifuddin.

Yesterday, TV2's Mandarin news team issued an apology for the “improper use of words” in their report.