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
