Kuala Lumpur: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has stressed the importance of responsible journalism and reinforced the need for rigorous fact-checking, following the publication of a misleading infographic by a local media outlet involving the new Inspector-General of Police (IGP). Senior Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Tunku Nashrul Tunku Abaidah, in the PMO’s Daily Briefing today, said that baseless accusations against public servants, particularly the police force, are unethical and risk undermining public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tunku Nashrul emphasized that while the MADANI government respects media freedom as a cornerstone of democracy, such freedom must be exercised with discipline to prevent deviations from the truth. He referenced a viral infographic published by a prominent news portal which falsely linked the new IGP with political party affiliations, a mistake he warned could damage public trust in the integrity of civil servants.

The infographic in question was posted on Instagram by a local media outlet on June 20, referencing the background of the newly appointed IGP, Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail. It led to confusion and speculation regarding his supposed involvement in political activities. In response to public backlash, PKR secretary-general Datuk Dr. Fuziah Salleh clarified that Mohd Khalid had never been a member of PKR, nor had he held any position within the party.

The media outlet responsible for the infographic has since issued a public apology and taken internal disciplinary measures, including suspending the staff involved in creating the erroneous content.