Radio Television Malaysia(RTM) is a government owned/controlled - the Government Media outlet that comes directly under Malaysian Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, a member of the Cabinet of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
How will Malaysia and Malaysians feel if some national TV, or some TV/Radio station in some country referred to Malaysia's Prime Minister as Ismail Sabri or Mahathir, and not Anwar Ibrahim?
This is what happened today in a LIVE broadcast when RTM referred to the names of not ONE, but THREE, leaders of Malaysia's closest neighbours in ASEAN that share borders with Malaysia wrongly - RTM has quickly apologized, but the Malaysian government is yet to make an apology, be it the Minister responsible or PM Anwar Ibrahim himself. If the mistake with regard to some other leader of State, it may be understandable - but the leaders of ASEAN member States..
“The commentator mistakenly referred to Singapore’s Prime Minister as Lee Hsien Loong, whereas the current Prime Minister is Lawrence Wong,” the department confirmed.
“The commentator also mentioned Thailand’s Prime Minister as Srettha Thavisin, instead of Anutin Charnvirakul, who currently holds the position,” the statement continued.
In a separate statement, the department also apologised for misidentifying the Indonesian President as Joko Widodo instead of current President Prabowo Subianto.
All in ALL - it is a major EMBARASSMENT - and act of DISRESPECT - and worse that it is being covered by many news agencies all over the world.
Is this one of the reason, why Malaysia does not even have the 'power' to save Malaysians from execution in Singapore?
As it is, Anwar Ibrahim and Malaysia, as the current head of ASEAN, should have dealt with the US's increased tariff issue as ASEAN as it affects all - but sadly, Anwar and his MADANI goverment seems to be just concerned with Malaysia - but not the rest of ASEAN member States... If we acted as ASEAN, our negotiating power would have been bigger as we would be dealing as a bloc of over 680 million persons (also consumers) - and, if ASEAN collectively responded like China - rather than 'begging' US and making commitments of spending RM1 Trillion in US...but to maybe impose the same HIGH TARIFF on US.
To act as ASEAN, it is key that Malaysia should never have done this 'fumble' of misnaming any ASEAN member States leaders...
Malaysia may move forward laying blame on some RTM commentator - but not in this case, as the ultimate blame should lie on the Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Malaysian MADANI Government - Speedy apologies needed from our Prime Minister NOW - as such acts of 'disrespect' (even if done not intentionally) may have reprecussions on all in Malaysia - including businesses having dealings with the said countries. Would the said countries react by also increasing TARIFF on Malaysian goods?
RTM apologises for commentator’s ASEAN summit leader name blunders
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Department of Broadcasting has apologised for mistakes made by a commentator who incorrectly identified several Southeast Asian leaders during the live broadcast of the 47th ASEAN Summit opening ceremony.
Radio Televisyen Malaysia stated it takes the matter seriously and has taken appropriate action following an internal investigation.
“The commentator mistakenly referred to Singapore’s Prime Minister as Lee Hsien Loong, whereas the current Prime Minister is Lawrence Wong,” the department confirmed.
“The commentator also mentioned Thailand’s Prime Minister as Srettha Thavisin, instead of Anutin Charnvirakul, who currently holds the position,” the statement continued.
RTM pledged to strengthen its editorial oversight and fact-checking processes to ensure information accuracy and integrity.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with all ASEAN leaders in attendance.
International dignitaries present included United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres and European Council president Antonio Costa.
Other distinguished guests included Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and World Bank vice-president for East Asia and the Pacific Carlos Felipe Jaramillo also attended the event.
The 47th ASEAN Summit runs from October 26 to 28 under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.
In a separate statement, the department also apologised for misidentifying the Indonesian President as Joko Widodo instead of current President Prabowo Subianto.
“RTM hereby apologises to the President and Indonesian government, as well as to all parties affected by this mistake,” the statement concluded. – Bernama, Sun, 26/10/2025
Malaysian TV Apologizes After Mistakenly Calling Indonesian President Prabowo 'Joko Widodo'
Hours after misidentifying the Indonesian President, RTM apologised for misidentifying Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as his predecessor Lee Hsien Loong...Earlier the same afternoon, RTM’s broadcast commentator mentioned the current Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as Joko Widodo. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK, Straits Times
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