Malaysian Broadcaster RTM Apologises for Naming Errors at ASEAN Summit

Malaysian broadcaster Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) has issued an apology following errors in the naming of three Southeast Asian leaders during a live broadcast of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit. The mistakes occurred on October 26, 2023, and involved misidentifications of leaders from Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Details of the Broadcast Errors

During the opening ceremony, a commentator mistakenly referred to Singapore’s current Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as his predecessor, Lee Hsien Loong. Additionally, the Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was incorrectly identified as Srettha Thavisin, who was removed from office in 2024. The errors prompted RTM to issue statements on its official Facebook page in Malay, expressing regret for the inaccuracies.

In a separate incident on the same day, RTM also misidentified Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as Joko Widodo, his predecessor. These errors led to significant embarrassment for the broadcaster, which acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.

Reactions and Future Measures

RTM’s statement emphasized that appropriate action had been taken in response to the misidentifications. The broadcaster extended its apologies to the current prime ministers of Singapore and Thailand, as well as to President Prabowo Subianto and the Indonesian government.

“RTM views this matter seriously and appropriate action has been taken,” the statement read.

In light of the mistakes, RTM pledged to enhance its editorial control and fact-checking processes to ensure the accuracy and integrity of information disseminated in future broadcasts. The broadcaster aims to restore public confidence and prevent similar incidents from occurring again.

The misidentifications at such a significant international event highlight the importance of accuracy in media reporting, particularly during high-profile gatherings like the ASEAN Summit. As the region continues to navigate complex political landscapes, clear and precise communication remains essential for fostering diplomatic relations.