KUALA LUMPUR: The Star issued an apology following wide criticisms for its front page on May 27 where it published a picture of Muslims praying with the headline ‘Malaysian terrorist leader’.
In its apology posted on its website, the daily had said: “It has been the practice of The Star to respect the first day of Ramadan every year and to place the picture of Muslims at the first terawih prayers on the front page of the paper. This has been done over the last decade or so.
“This year, there was an unfortunate coincidence of the lead story being of a terrorist leader that led to many linking the headline and the picture, which was never the intention of the newspaper.
“On hindsight, The Star should have been more discerning and sensitive to the feelings of our Muslim readers. We sincerely apologise for the error of judgment on our part.”
The issue had triggered criticisms from Netizens, social organisations and even political parties that described the cover as a “misleading visual representation” apart from being insensitive to Muslims.
Calls were also made for action to be taken against the publication by the relevant authorities.