Tun Dr Hasmah Ali, the wife of former Malaysian prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, passed away on September 28 at the age of 100 and received a state funeral.
Government Advice on Media Complaints
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil advised citizens concerned about excessive media coverage to file formal complaints with the Malaysian Media Council (MMM). According to freemalaysiatoday.com, Fahmi stated that channeling grievances through official avenues prevents misunderstandings and protects the credibility of the media industry. He also urged journalists to respect the family’s privacy while they mourn. Meanwhile, the Putrajaya Media Club lodged police and regulatory reports after a social media post altered an image of journalists covering the burial at Pusara Negara to depict them as animals, theedgemalaysia.com reported.
Investigation into Artificial Intelligence Manipulation
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) launched an investigation into a 27-second viral TikTok video that used artificial intelligence to manipulate footage of Dr Mahathir grieving, malaymail.com reported. The clip, posted by user @vinustudio.my, combined genuine footage of the former prime minister wiping away tears with AI-generated scenes of him embracing his late wife. The video garnered more than 745,000 views, 30,200 likes, and thousands of shares before the account disappeared, freemalaysiatoday.com reported. The MCMC stated that manipulating genuine footage to mislead the public or exploit someone’s grief violates the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, malaymail.com reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Tun Dr Hasmah Ali pass away?
Tun Dr Hasmah Ali passed away on September 28 at the age of 100 at the National Heart Institute, according to freemalaysiatoday.com and theedgemalaysia.com.
What specific law is the MCMC using to investigate the altered video?
The MCMC is investigating the manipulated TikTok footage under existing legislation, including the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), malaymail.com reported.
Who filed a report regarding altered images of journalists at the gravesite?
The Putrajaya Media Club lodged reports with both the police and the MCMC after a social media post altered an image of journalists at Pusara Negara, theedgemalaysia.com reported.
How can the public submit complaints about media coverage?
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil urged the public to use the official complaints channel through the Malaysian Media Council website, freemalaysiatoday.com reported.
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